The United States will increase its military presence in the Middle East in an effort to “bolster regional deterrence efforts” amid recent escalations in the region, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday.
“Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region,” Austin said in a statement. “These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.”
Austin went on to say he redirected the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. The carrier strike group joins the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
“It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies,” he said.
Austin said the U.S. also plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and Patriot battalions that will “increase force protection for U.S. forces.” He also ordered more troops to prepare for deployment orders “as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as requited,” he said.
Last week, a U.S. Navy destroyer shot down three missiles launched by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen that were potentially headed for targets in Israel, Pentagon officials said.
“We cannot say for certain what they were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea, potentially toward targets in Israel,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force brigadier general Pat Ryder at a Thursday press briefing.
The ship, the USS Carney, intercepted three cruise missiles and roughly eight drones, Ryder said.
The situation unfolded on the same day the U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens to exercise “increased caution” overseas amid “increased tensions” across the globe.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the alert said.
Israel declared war against Hamas earlier this month after the terrorist group launched a surprise attack against the Jewish state on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people.
The Israeli military has since retaliated by dropping more than 6,000 bombs on Gaza. However, Israel has not yet launched a ground offensive in the territory, though it has called up a record number of reservists and active-duty troops have begun massing on the Gaza border.
Last week, Biden sent an urgent budget request to Congress proposing $60 billion for Ukraine and replenishing U.S. stockpiles, $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian efforts, $14 billion for the border and $7 billion for the Indo-Pacific region.
One day before Biden made a rare primetime speech from the Oval Office making the case for the aid to Israel and Ukraine, Biden announced that he would provide $100 million in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. He did not say how his administration would prevent the funds and supplies from falling into the hands of Hamas terrorists.