WASHINGTON (WAM)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed increased military presence in the Middle East with defensive air-support capabilities and heightened readiness status for other forces, the Pentagon said on Sunday.
"The Secretary has also increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies. And Department of Defence maintains robust and integrated air-defense capabilities across the Middle East, ensuring the protection of US forces operating in the region," the statement added.