US Defense Secretary Orders Swift Military Deployments Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and accelerated the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group’s deployment amid heightened tensions following assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The US aims to bolster regional security and support Israel’s defense amidst potential retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and directed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its arrival in the region, per the Defense Department's announcement on Sunday.

This development occurs as the US, alongside its allies, encourages a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas amid elevated regional tensions following the targeted killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Authorities are vigilant for retaliatory actions by Iran and Hezbollah. In response, the US has been augmenting its military presence in the area to ensure security. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder reported that Austin had a discussion with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America's pledge to bolstering Israel's defense capabilities in the face of mounting regional unrest.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, currently stationed in the Asia-Pacific, had previously been designated to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle East. But its arrival timeline remains unspecified despite the recent directives. Notably, the carrier is equipped with advanced F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets.

The speed at which the USS Georgia guided missile submarine will reach the Middle East also remains undisclosed. Concurrently, Austin and Gallant reviewed Israel's military actions in Gaza, stressing the need to prevent civilian casualties. Their discussion followed a deadly Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school-turned-shelter, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties.

(With inputs from agencies.)