US to send additional troops and missile systems to the Middle East

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced that additional support will be provided to further strengthen US forces in the Middle East.

In his statement on the matter, Austin noted that "the activities of Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East are increasing," and that for this reason, additional support will be provided to reinforce US forces in the region.

DECISION FOR ADDITIONAL FORCES

Stating that this support will "strengthen regional deterrence efforts, increase the protection of US forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel," Austin indicated that the US aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group has been directed to the region as additional force to the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which is already in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Austin also noted that additional forces will be deployed in the region for the safety of US troops and that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system battery will be sent.