Washington is bracing for a potential escalation following Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the network says
The US is considering increasing its military presence in the Middle East after an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah political leader Hassan Nasrallah, NBC News reported on Saturday, citing sources.
According to two unnamed US officials, the military has presented Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with options for moving additional forces to the region. The defense secretary later reportedly discussed the change of posture with US President Joe Biden and national security officials. The outlet said that while no immediate decisions were made, Austin has the authority to send in additional forces.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon already moved to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East as tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel were soaring. There are currently around 40,000 US troops in the region, including over a dozen warships.
US officials told the network that the Pentagon considers these forces adequate for the potential challenges, but could extend some current deployments or make adjustments in air defense and other capabilities. The US is also prepared to support an emergency evacuation of American civilians from the region if necessary, the article said.
The US is considering increasing its military presence in the Middle East after an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah political leader Hassan Nasrallah, NBC News reported on Saturday, citing sources.
According to two unnamed US officials, the military has presented Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with options for moving additional forces to the region. The defense secretary later reportedly discussed the change of posture with US President Joe Biden and national security officials. The outlet said that while no immediate decisions were made, Austin has the authority to send in additional forces.
Earlier this month, the Pentagon already moved to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East as tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel were soaring. There are currently around 40,000 US troops in the region, including over a dozen warships.
US officials told the network that the Pentagon considers these forces adequate for the potential challenges, but could extend some current deployments or make adjustments in air defense and other capabilities. The US is also prepared to support an emergency evacuation of American civilians from the region if necessary, the article said.
