OCTOBER 24, 2023 – As we’ve communicated previously, the U.S. remains committed to ensuring the security and well being of its allies and partners particularly in the face of escalating threats across the region.
Given recent developments, I’d like to provide some clarity on our defense posture in the region. As you likely saw from our announcement over the weekend, Secretary Austin directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense’s posture in the region.
First, we redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. In addition to the USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group already present in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Two, the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense THAAD Battery, and additional Patriot Battalions are underway aimed at enhancing Force Protection for U.S. forces in the region.
Three, an additional number of forces have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders, to increase their readiness, and ensure rapid response if required.
As Secretary Austin conveyed over the weekend, these measures are critical to bolstering regional deterrence efforts, safeguarding our troops, and assisting in the defense of Israel.
Let me say a few additional remarks about the posture increases. Our Carrier Strike Groups give us the ability to launch operations independently anywhere in the world, and immediately upon arrival. When we send them somewhere, we are deliberately sending an incredibly strong signal to our adversaries but also to our allies and partners about the depth of our support and the ability of the U.S. military to expeditiously, dynamically, respond to contingencies anywhere in the world. That’s what we’re demonstrating today in the Middle East.
And that support is wide ranging, from intelligence collection, to maritime dominance, to long-range strike. This is an entire strategic, incredibly capable village, that we are sending to show our support not only to the region but also to support Israel and its right to defend itself from the brutal October 7th Hamas terrorist attack.
Our advice to those who might seek to exploit the situation or amplify the conflict is simple, don’t. We retain the right to defend ourselves and will act decisively when required.
Lastly, on the humanitarian front, the loss of innocent lives including U.S. citizens, Israeli civilians, and Palestinian civilians, is truly heartbreaking. We have worked across the board, from the White House to the State Department, to Defense Department, to prioritize civilian protections and safety, as well as ensure the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza over the weekend.
Civilians under any circumstances should not be deliberately targeted. I would make a point here: our partner Israel is a law-abiding country who is obligated to adhere to the law of armed conflict.
Hamas, a terrorist organization did not, does not and continues to deliberately target civilians and hold civilians hostage.