US Sending Fighter Jets and Military Personnel to the Middle East Amid Expanding Conflict
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Amid concern that Iran may retaliate against Israel for killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during a bombing campaign in Lebanon last week, the United States announced Monday that it is sending “a few thousand” additional military personnel to the Middle East along with multiple US Air Force jet fighter squadrons to defend Israel as well as American citizens and interests if necessary.
In a statement Sunday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder said: “The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.” The Pentagon has “ increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies,” Ryder said.
Should Iran or its proxies “use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region,” the US would take “every necessary measure” to defend American citizens, Ryder added.
“We will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the Pentagon said Sunday. On Monday the US announced the support will come from F-15E, F-16, A-10, and F-22 fighter and support units.
Concerning what might happen now that Hezbollah and Iran are reeling from the death of Nasrallah, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement Sunday that the US “ is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are.”
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.