WASHINGTON: The US military said on Sunday it was increasing its air support capabilities in the Middle East and putting troops on a heightened readiness to deploy to the region as it warned Iran against expanding the ongoing conflict.
\nThe announcement came two days after President Joe Biden directed the Pentagon to adjust US force posture in the Middle East amid intensifying concern that Israel\u2019s killing of the leader of Iran-backed Hezbollah could prompt Tehran to retaliate.
\n\u201cThe US is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict,\u201d Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said in a statement.
\nHe also cautioned that if Iran or groups Tehran backs \u201cuse this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the US will take every necessary measure to defend our people.\u201d The Pentagon statement offered few clues as to the size or scope of the new air deployment, saying only that \u201cwe will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days.\u201d
\nIsrael struck more targets in Lebanon on Sunday, pressing Hezbollah with new attacks after killing the group\u2019s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and a string of its other top commanders in an escalating military campaign.
\nThe strikes have dealt a stunning succession of blows to Hezbollah after almost a year of cross-border fire, killing much of its leadership and revealing gaping security holes.
\nHowever, it has also raised questions about Washington\u2019s publicly declared goals of containing the conflict and safeguarding US personnel throughout the Middle East.
\nWhite House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday that the US was watching to see what Hezbollah does to try to fill its leadership vacuum \u201cand is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are.\u201d
\nThe US State Department has yet to order an evacuation from Lebanon.
\nBut last week, US officials told Reuters the Pentagon was sending a few dozen additional troops to Cyprus to help the military prepare for scenarios including an evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.
\nThe Pentagon said US forces were being made ready to deploy if needed.
\n\u201c(Austin) increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies,\u201d Ryder said in a statement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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