U.S. Deploys Guided Missile Submarine To Middle East In Response To Regional Threats
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced the deployment of the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the Middle East on August 11, 2024.
According to a US military social media post, the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine, was deployed in the Mediterranean Sea in July. The United States does not typically disclose such deployments publicly.
The Pentagon also confirmed that Austin had ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group to accelerate its deployment to the region.
In addition to the submarine deployment, the US military intends to send additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East to help strengthen Israeli defenses.
The current tensions arise from the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Iran-backed Hamas group, in Tehran on July 31.
Iran has threatened retaliation against Israel, which is fighting Hamas in Gaza. Iran accuses Israel of arranging Haniyeh’s death, although Israel hasn’t admitted involvement.
The situation is getting worse further following Israel’s execution of Fuad Shukr, the senior military commander of Hezbollah, during an attack on Beirut. These incidents have raised concerns of a broader Middle Eastern conflict.
Several US and coalition personnel were allegedly injured in a drone attack on Syria on Friday. This is the second major strike on US personnel in recent days amid escalating regional tensions.
Iran has also claimed that the United States is responsible for Haniyeh’s death because it supports Israel.
Reference: Reuters
