Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed an increase of U.S. military presence in the Middle East in response to escalating Israeli operations against Hezbollah. Following recent Israeli airstrikes and the targeted killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Austin has halted the scheduled withdrawal of aircraft units from the region, instead reinforcing them with several thousand troops across multiple aircraft squadrons.
Pentagon spokesman Tom Crosson confirmed the bolstered deployment, which includes advanced fighter jets such as F-16s, F-15Es, A-10s, and F-22s, along with their support personnel. This strategic decision aims to enhance U.S. readiness for any further regional escalations.
F-16s from the 510th Fighter Squadron stationed at Aviano Air Base in Italy, alongside F-15Es from the 335th Fighter Squadron based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., were initially deployed to the region in April of this year.
In a press briefing, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh highlighted the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining comprehensive air defense capabilities throughout the Middle East to protect American forces. She noted the additional readiness measures but did not specify the number of troops or aircraft involved.
The recent developments come as Israel intensifies its military actions in Lebanon, potentially gearing up for a ground incursion, which could widen the conflict that has already seen severe clashes with Hamas in Gaza over the past year.
To further support the U.S. commitment, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, including 2,200 Marines onboard, will also remain in the region.
