With growing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States has decided to deploy more military forces to the Middle East. The Pentagon made the announcement on Monday, signaling the rising risks in the region.
Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed that a small number of additional U.S. troops are being sent as a precautionary measure.
“We are sending additional military personnel to augment our forces already in the region out of an abundance of caution,” Ryder said, though specifics on the mission were not disclosed.
The U.S. State Department has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately due to the unpredictable situation.
“Due to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options are still available,” the advisory warned.
Israel’s military has shifted focus to the northern border, targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and northern areas near Syria. In a significant strike, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah leader Ali Karaki, according to reports.
The Biden administration has pushed for diplomacy to avoid further escalation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been in regular contact with Israeli officials, urging restraint.
“The United States is committed to deterring any actors from expanding the conflict,” Austin said.
The U.S. military presence in the region is robust, with assets including the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, fighter jets, and air defenses.
“We have more capability in the region today than in April, when Iran conducted its missile and drone attacks,” Ryder noted, referencing previous Iranian actions against Israel.
