Israel and U.S. Prepare for Retaliatory Strikes by Iran and its Proxies
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israel and the U.S. are bracing for a potential Iranian retaliatory strike on Israel as soon as this weekend, with Israel’s military on high alert and the Pentagon deploying military assets to counter any attacks from Iran and its terrorist proxy groups.
Late Friday, the Pentagon announced the bolstering of U.S. military presence in the Middle East, including additional troops, ships, jets, and land-based firepower, in anticipation of a potential response by Iran and its terrorist proxy groups.
Late Friday, Pentagon spokesman Singh announced that an additional fighter squadron will be deployed to the Middle East, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group will be replaced by the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group currently in the Gulf of Oman.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated, “[S]ecretary Austin has ordered additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the US European Command and US Central Command regions,” as part of a statement detailing the additional military assets deployed to the Middle East.
She added, “The Department is also taking steps to increase our readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defense.”
Singh stated that the recent deployments were “to improve US force protection, increase support for the defense of Israel, and ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.” These additional military assets will enhance the “broad range of capabilities” already established by the US in the region.
Singh emphasized that the US “remains intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal” but also “retains the capability to deploy on short notice to meet evolving national security threats.”
The recent deployments come as Israel and its allies prepare for a potential retaliatory strike from Iran and its proxies following the recent assassinations of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr.
Concerns are mounting that retaliatory strikes by Iran and its proxies could be more extensive and complex than the Iranian assault in April, which saw a barrage of over 300 missiles and kamikaze drones launched by Iran and its proxies across the Middle East.
Arab officials told the Wall Street Journal that Iran and Hezbollah believe their response must surpass the April barrage and may involve multiple series of attacks. It is expected that the Iranian and Hezbollah response will include attacks from Iranian-backed regional militia groups in Iraq and Syria as well as the Houthis based in Yemen.
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