WORLD
US defense chief orders deployment of guided missile submarine to Middle East
Baku, August 12, AZERTAC
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, Anadolu Agency reports citing the Pentagon.
In a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to take "every possible" step to defend Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement.
"Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group," it added.
Additionally, Austin ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region.
The defense chiefs also discussed Israel's operations in the Gaza Strip and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a cease-fire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and US efforts to deter "aggression" by Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region, the Pentagon added.
