Thursday, November 21, 2024
Advertisement
  1. You Are At:
  2. News
  3. World
  4. US makes big move in Middle East as Pentagon chief sends submarine, aircraft carrier to war zone

US makes big move in Middle East as Pentagon chief sends submarine, aircraft carrier to war zone

Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and is telling the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. The Lincoln was expected in the region by month's end.

Edited By: Ajeet Kumar @Ajeet1994 Washington Updated on: August 12, 2024 12:25 IST
Pentagon chief orders submarines to Middle East
Image Source : AP Representational Image

In a major development, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. According to the Defence Department, Austin told the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. The moves come as the US and other allies push for Israel and Hamas to achieve a cease-fire agreement that could help calm soaring tensions in the region following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

US vows Israel to provide every possible assistance lly

Officials have been on the lookout for retaliatory strikes by both Iran and Hezbollah for the killings, and the US has been beefing up its presence in the region. Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier in the day, and reiterated America's commitment "to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions."

The Lincoln, which has been in the Asia Pacific, had already been ordered to the region to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group, which is scheduled to begin heading home from the Middle East. Last week, Austin said the Lincoln would arrive in the Central Command area by the end of the month. It wasn't clear on Sunday what his latest order means, or how much more quickly the Lincoln will steam to the Middle East. The carrier has F-35 fighter jets aboard, along with the F/A-18 fighter aircraft that are also on carriers.

Ryder also did not say how quickly the USS Georgia-guided missile submarine would get to the region. He said Austin and Gallant also discussed Israel's military operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm. The call comes a day after an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza early Saturday, killing at least 80 people and wounding nearly 50 others, Palestinian health authorities said, in one of the deadliest attacks of the 10-month Israel-Hamas war.

(With inputs from agency)

ALSO READ: Israeli airstrike on Gaza school kills over 100, targets Hamas command centre

Advertisement

Read all the Breaking News Live on indiatvnews.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from World

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement