US deploys additional military assets in West Asia as warning to Iran

The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional military assets to West Asia as tensions grip the region with Iran preparing a counterattack against Israel.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said, “Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every measure necessary to defend our people.”

The US has been clear about its position in the conflict and has vowed to safeguard both Israeli and American interests in West Asia. Meanwhile, Israel has said that it is on a “high level” of readiness should Iran strike back.

What has US sent?

According to Fox News, the military assets sent to the region include ballistic missile defence destroyers, long-range B-52 bomber aircraft,  tanker aircraft, and Navy destroyers.

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The additional resources build on previous US defence deployments to the Middle East in support of Israel, including a THAAD missile defence system deployed to the country late last month, operated by American troops on the ground.

Ryder said the new forces “will begin to arrive in coming months. " However, it is unclear where the military resources will be sent in West Asia.

Are there any US troops in West Asia?

In September, the Joe Biden-led administration announced that it sent a small number of additional troops to West Asia in response to a sharp spike in violence between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

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The American presence in the region is designed both to help defend Israel and protect US and allied personnel and assets. Navy warships are scattered across the region, from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Oman, and both Air Force and Navy fighter jets are strategically based at several locations to be better prepared to respond to any attacks.

With inputs from agencies