The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has emphasized that it is 'determined' to prevent the conflicts in the Middle East from spreading to other parts of the region.
According to a written statement shared by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin monitored real-time developments in the Middle East with his team throughout the weekend.
The statement included the following: 'He (Austin) and Department of Defense leadership remain focused on the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the region, the defense of Israel, and de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy.'
The Pentagon's statement emphasized that Austin is determined to prevent Iran and its partners from 'exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.'
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
U.S. INCREASES MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The statement, which noted that the Department of Defense continues to 'maintain significant capabilities' in the region and keep its forces dynamic in response to the evolving security situation, also emphasized that U.S. defensive air support capabilities will be 'further reinforced' in the coming days.
Following Israel's strike on the Lebanese capital of Beirut, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut had called on U.S. citizens in Lebanon to create a 'crisis action plan' against potential conflicts and to prepare to 'shelter in place for extended periods.'
In light of the possibility of escalating conflicts in the region, U.S. citizens remaining in the country were asked to have their relatives reconsider any plans to visit Lebanon.
News Source: AA
