The Pentagon has announced that it will be deploying an aircraft carrier and air defense systems to the Middle East in response to increasing attacks on U.S. facilities, believed to be carried out by Iranian-backed groups. The decision comes as tensions continue to rise amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The USS Eisenhower and its strike group, which were originally supposed to join the USS Ford strike group in the eastern Mediterranean, will now be redirected to the Middle East. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these additional measures are intended to strengthen regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. troops in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.

Over the past week, there have been several security incidents involving drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq, believed to be orchestrated by Iranian-backed groups opposed to U.S. support for Israel. Tragically, a U.S. citizen working as a contractor at the Al Asad airbase in Iraq died from a cardiac episode during an attack on the base. In a highly visible attack, the USS Carney, a guided missile destroyer, intercepted four missiles and 15 drones fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia from Yemen. The Pentagon suspects that these projectiles were potentially targeting Israel. The USS Carney utilized SM-2 air defense missiles and other capabilities to successfully bring down the missiles and drones.

In response to the escalating threats, Defense Secretary Austin is also deploying additional air defense systems and troops to the Middle East. This includes a THAAD missile battery and additional Patriot air defense battalions. Furthermore, he has placed additional forces on prepare to deploy orders in order to enhance readiness and ensure a swift response if required. Austin asserts that he will continue to assess the force posture requirements in the region and deploy additional capabilities as necessary. It is believed that these additional air defense units are among the more than 2,000 U.S. military personnel that were put on prepare to deploy orders last week. These forces encompass various specialties including air defense, security, logistics, medical support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, transportation, and other capabilities.

In a separate incident, the USS Carney, a Navy warship, shot down 15 drones and 4 cruise missiles within a span of 9 hours near the Yemeni coast. This was a larger attack than initially thought, highlighting the increasing threats faced by U.S. forces in the Middle East. The USS Carney was in the northern Red Sea when these incidents occurred. As tensions heighten in the region, U.S. forces have been subjected to an array of attacks, prompting the Biden administration to increase its support for Israel.

These aggressive actions against American military personnel coincide with protests and riots near U.S. embassies in the Middle East. Specifically, there have been attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. On Wednesday, drones targeted the al-Asad airbase and the al-Harir air base in Iraq, resulting in minor injuries and damage. The Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia has threatened the U.S. with strikes if it intervenes in the current conflict. On Thursday, the USS Carney intercepted four cruise missiles and 15 drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The missiles and drones were successfully shot down, and it is believed that they were aimed at Israel rather than the U.S. Additionally, the Al Tanf Garrison military base in southern Syria, where American troops are stationed, was targeted by two drones, one of which was successfully destroyed.

Recent attacks have also targeted the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq. On Friday, two rockets were fired toward the center, resulting in one interception and one impact on an empty storage facility. No casualties were reported. These attacks highlight the growing threats faced by U.S. forces in the region and the need for increased security measures.

As tensions escalate and the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the U.S. is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its troops and support its ally, Israel. Defense Secretary Austin's decision to deploy additional military assets, including the USS Eisenhower and air defense systems, demonstrates the commitment to strengthening regional deterrence and protecting U.S. forces. The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, and the U.S. will continue to assess and respond to evolving threats accordingly.