US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced a series of measures to bolster the US military presence in the Middle East following discussions with President Joe Biden. This includes redirecting the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the central command area of responsibility, in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group already operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Over recent weeks, the United States has been deploying a significant naval presence to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, accompanying support vessels, and around 2,000 Marines.
The move is a response to increased tensions in the region due to escalations involving Iran and its proxy forces. Austin stated that the additional carrier group’s deployment aims to enhance the US force posture, strengthen capabilities, and ensure readiness to respond effectively to various contingencies.
To further reinforce the US defense posture in the Middle East, the US will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defense missile system battalions to the region. Additional troops will also be placed on standby to enhance the protection of US forces. The United States will continuously evaluate its force posture requirements in the region and consider deploying additional assets as necessary.
Recent incidents involving drones and rockets targeting military bases housing US forces in Iraq have raised concerns. These attacks come amid warnings from Iraqi militants against US involvement in supporting Israel against Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Over the weekend, Katyusha rockets struck the Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts US and international forces in western Iraq, and defensive systems intercepted and shot down two drones hovering near the base. Ain al-Asad air base is situated in the western Anbar province.