US sends more defense systems to Middle East – Pentagon
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Pentagon announced on Saturday deploying new military defense systems to the Middle East in response to recent attacks on US troops in the region.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced in statement, after discussions with US President Joe Biden on recent escalation by Iran and its proxies, activating “the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.”
This step came ” to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region. These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.”
In the past few weeks, the US has deployed a substantial naval presence to the Middle East. This includes two aircraft carriers, along with their accompanying support vessels and a nearly 2,000 marines.
This came amid escalating regional tensions between Israel and Hamas after Hamas militants launched a series of sudden attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 along the border of the Gaza Strip, killing over 1,300 Israelis and capturing more than 100 hostages. In response, Israel has conducted intense retaliatory airstrikes and cut off water and power to the enclave.