The Pentagon is considering options to increase troops and equipment in the Middle East after Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination, according to two U.S. officials.
This morning, military officials presented options for additional military support to the region to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is currently on the phone with President Joe Biden and other national security leaders. military posture and several options were discussed. No decisions were made on the White House’s call, officials said, but Austin has the authority to send troops to the area.
The U.S. currently has about 40,000 troops in the region, more troops than the U.S. deployed when Iran retaliated against Israel in April. For now, U.S. officials say the Pentagon, confident in its stance, will either extend some of the current deployments even after replacement personnel arrive (thereby increasing the total number) or It said it may make some adjustments to its air defense and other capabilities to account for the possibility of retaliation. Or Hezbollah.
The U.S. is currently deploying troops and assets to the region to help civilians leave the country with military assistance if necessary, but officials said the airport remains operational and there are still a few flights. A commercial plane is said to be departing.
They added that at this time there are not many requests for assistance with removal from Americans. So, while we have plans and are prepared, there is still no decision to order a non-combatant evacuation, or NEO. But officials said the situation could change quickly if the situation worsens.
There is still a possibility that the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group will be rerouted from Europe to the Middle East, but there is currently no indication that this will happen. It will arrive in the European theater in about a week, but could soon be reassigned to U.S. Central Command.
