Washington: The United States announced plans on Friday to deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and Navy destroyers to the Middle East, marking a shift in military assets as the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group prepares to depart the region. The Pentagon stated that these deployments would be staggered over the coming months, underscoring the flexibility of U.S. military operations worldwide.
“Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people,” said Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder.
Throughout the past year, the U.S. has maintained a robust military presence in the Middle East, with as many as two aircraft carriers stationed in the region due to heightened tensions following the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. The Abraham Lincoln’s exit will temporarily leave a gap in aircraft carrier coverage until a replacement can be cycled in.
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This latest repositioning of U.S. forces comes amid recent direct confrontations in October between Israel and Iran. Israel continues to engage in conflicts with Iranian-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it has launched retaliatory strikes in Yemen following attacks by Houthi forces aligned with Iran.
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The United States remains committed to supporting Israel’s defense and safeguarding its own forces in the Middle East, which have been subject to repeated attacks by Iran-supported groups in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and near Yemen’s coast.
