Defense Secretary announces plan to 'bolster regional deterrence efforts' in Middle East

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced plans to "bolster regional deterrence efforts" in the Middle East and expressed support for Israel as it continues fighting Hamas terrorists after they invaded the country earlier this month, murdering more than 1,400 people, including 31 U.S. citizens.

The decision comes after "detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region," Austin said Saturday.

Austin said he placed troops on "prepare to deploy orders" to respond in the case of a crisis in the area. He also said he directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to join the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The response comes as a ground invasion of Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, appears imminent. Israel has pledged to end Hamas and is working to free the more than 200 people who remain hostage in Gaza after being kidnapped by terrorists during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

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