An additional 300 U.S. troops are set to be dispatched to the area of operations overseen by the U.S. Central Command, announced Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder today.
These troops will bring their expertise in explosive ordnance disposal, communications, and other support roles to assist the forces currently stationed in the region.
However, Ryder clarified that these forces will not be positioned in Israel. He explained, “Their deployment is aimed at reinforcing regional deterrence measures and enhancing the force protection capabilities of the U.S. military.”
This decision comes in response to an increase in attacks on U.S. forces by Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria, where American troops are actively engaged in missions to defeat ISIS.
“Post our self-defense actions on Oct. 26, we’ve observed six more attacks of a relatively minor scale, evenly distributed with three in Iraq and three in Syria,” stated Ryder.
In total, this amounts to 27 attacks, with 16 occurring in Iraq and 11 in Syria. Fortunately, these attacks did not result in any injuries or damage, according to the general.
Ryder also summarized the testimony of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin before the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier today.
The Department of Defense has put forth an “urgent supplemental budget request” aimed at funding America’s national security initiatives, supporting allies, and investing in the defense industrial base.
He detailed, “We are seeking an allocation of $10.6 billion for Israel’s defense, $44.4 billion to aid Ukraine in its ongoing defense against Russian aggression, and $3.3 billion to meet the demands of the U.S. military’s submarine industrial base, as well as to honor our commitments within the Australia-UK-US trilateral agreement.”
Meanwhile, Israeli forces are continuing their operations against Hamas targets in Gaza. Ryder highlighted that during discussions with their Israeli counterparts, U.S. officials emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding innocent civilians.
“Secretary Austin underscored today that ensuring the safety of civilians is both a moral and strategic imperative,” he conveyed.
“We are deeply concerned about civilian casualties, and we’ve consistently communicated, both publicly and privately, our commitment to the protection of innocent life and adherence to the laws of war. This stance is unwavering.”
