The United States Deploys F-16s Squadron To The Middle East

The Pentagon is also ready to deploy air defense systems ahead of Israeli ground operations.

The United States is strengthening its force in the Middle East ahead of the start of Israel's ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

According to US Department of Defense spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron of the National Guard, which consists of F-16 fighters, was deployed to the region.

Also, as US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin previously said, the Pentagon will send THAAD anti-missile systems and additional battalions of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to the Middle East.

According to The Wall Street Journal, THAAD systems will be sent to Saudi Arabia, and Patriot systems will be sent to Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Previously, the United States had withdrawn such weapons from the region, but the increasing attacks on the American military against the backdrop of the war between Israel and Hamas caused concern in Washington, the WSJ notes.

“We see the prospect of more significant escalation against US forces and personnel throughout the region in the very near future. The threat comes from Iranian proxies and, ultimately, from Iran itself,” Ryder explained.

According to him, from October 17 to October 24, there were at least 13 attacks on US installations and military personnel in Iraq and Syria using missiles and drones. The US Department of Defense regards them as “small in scale” but “alarming and dangerous.”

Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the United States sent the aircraft carriers Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Pentagon called their deployment a “powerful signal of deterrence” to forces hostile to Israel. Also, 2 thousand marines were transferred to the region, who should provide the Israeli side with consulting and medical assistance.

Israel is a key US ally in the Middle East. President Joe Biden made an official visit to the country following the Hamas attack and supported a ground operation in the Gaza Strip to eliminate militants. He also promised Israel ammunition, air defenses and interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome air defense system.