U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a major boost in U.S. military presence in the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, is being expedited to the region, while the USS Georgia guided missile submarine has also been deployed to enhance U.S. military capabilities and strengthen strategic positioning.
“I have ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. I also ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region,” according to Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Secretary of Defense.
The increased U.S. military presence comes as Israeli officials expect retaliation from Iran following the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Iran has accused Israel of the killing and vowed revenge. Although Israel has not publicly commented, it is reported to have confirmed its role to U.S. officials.
Last week, the United States announced the deployment of a carrier strike group, along with additional cruisers and destroyers equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities, and a fighter squadron to the Middle East.
