NBC reports the US considers increasing its military presence in the Middle East
The US is evaluating the possibility of increasing its military presence in the region following Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to NBC. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Washington is preparing for potential escalation following Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, according to a report from NBC News.
The report states that the US is contemplating an increased military presence in the Middle East in light of the airstrike that killed Nasrallah. Sources indicate that the US military has provided Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with options to move additional forces to the region. Subsequently, Austin discussed these options with President Joe Biden and other national security officials.
While immediate decisions have yet to be made, Austin has the authority to deploy more troops if necessary. Earlier in the month, the Pentagon had already taken steps to bolster its military presence amidst rising tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel. Currently, around 40,000 US troops are stationed in the region, alongside over a dozen warships.
US officials maintain that the existing troop levels are sufficient for the foreseeable challenges but may consider extending some deployments or adjusting air defense and other capabilities. Additionally, preparations are in place for a potential emergency evacuation of American civilians from the area, should the situation necessitate it.
Tensions in the region intensified following an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah compound in Beirut that resulted in Nasrallah's death. Officials in West Jerusalem claim to have nearly eliminated Hezbollah's military leadership in recent weeks.
In response to the assassination, Hezbollah declared its intention to persist in “its jihad in confronting the enemy, in support of Gaza and Palestine.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that “the blood of the martyr will not go unavenged.”
The Israel Defense Forces have declared readiness to counter any potential retaliatory actions, placing the military “on high alert.” Unnamed US officials informed the Washington Post that the Biden administration is also preparing for an escalation, emphasizing the uncertainty regarding Iran’s response to Nasrallah's assassination.
Furthermore, US officials expressed frustration at not receiving prior warning from Israel about the plan to kill Nasrallah, noting they were caught off guard by a recent Israeli operation that reportedly targeted and killed numerous Hezbollah members.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
The report states that the US is contemplating an increased military presence in the Middle East in light of the airstrike that killed Nasrallah. Sources indicate that the US military has provided Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with options to move additional forces to the region. Subsequently, Austin discussed these options with President Joe Biden and other national security officials.
While immediate decisions have yet to be made, Austin has the authority to deploy more troops if necessary. Earlier in the month, the Pentagon had already taken steps to bolster its military presence amidst rising tensions between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel. Currently, around 40,000 US troops are stationed in the region, alongside over a dozen warships.
US officials maintain that the existing troop levels are sufficient for the foreseeable challenges but may consider extending some deployments or adjusting air defense and other capabilities. Additionally, preparations are in place for a potential emergency evacuation of American civilians from the area, should the situation necessitate it.
Tensions in the region intensified following an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah compound in Beirut that resulted in Nasrallah's death. Officials in West Jerusalem claim to have nearly eliminated Hezbollah's military leadership in recent weeks.
In response to the assassination, Hezbollah declared its intention to persist in “its jihad in confronting the enemy, in support of Gaza and Palestine.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that “the blood of the martyr will not go unavenged.”
The Israel Defense Forces have declared readiness to counter any potential retaliatory actions, placing the military “on high alert.” Unnamed US officials informed the Washington Post that the Biden administration is also preparing for an escalation, emphasizing the uncertainty regarding Iran’s response to Nasrallah's assassination.
Furthermore, US officials expressed frustration at not receiving prior warning from Israel about the plan to kill Nasrallah, noting they were caught off guard by a recent Israeli operation that reportedly targeted and killed numerous Hezbollah members.
Mark B Thomas contributed to this report for TROIB News
