Washington:
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United States is sending additional troops to the US Central Command region, which covers the Middle East and parts of Africa, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said on Tuesday (local time ).
Ryder said these forces will provide capabilities, explosive ordnance disposal, communications and other support assets for forces already in the region. He said no additional American troops will go to Israel.
While addressing a press conference on Tuesday (local time), he said: “I can announce the decision to deploy an additional 300 troops to the US Central Command region from home stations in the continental United States. These additional forces will provide capabilities, explosive ordnance disposal, communications and other support assets for forces already in the region.”
The region controlled by the US Central Command includes twenty countries, including Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the countries of the Arabian Peninsula and the northern Red Sea, and the five republics of Central Asia.
“Please note that we will not discuss specific deployment locations for these forces, but I can confirm that they are not going to Israel and that they are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further strengthen U.S. force protection capabilities,” he added.
Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during his remarks at Senate testimony that the US will continue to provide crucial security assistance to Israel.
He said Austin said the U.S. focus is on providing air defense capabilities, precision-guided munitions and more interceptors for the Iron Dome system.
According to Ryder, Austin said the US is working closely with the Israelis to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, including US citizens.
Ryder said Austin emphasized that the US immediately provided military advisors to offer best practices for integrating hostage recovery into Israel’s operations.
Lloyd Austin said the US has strengthened its forces across the region to deter state or non-state actors from escalating this crisis outside Gaza, according to Patrick Ryder.
While addressing the press conference, Ryder said that Austin continues to maintain close contact with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant by telephone and receives updates on Israeli operations in Gaza.
Ryder said, “The Secretary commended the Israeli military’s commitment to the recovery of the hostages” and reemphasized the importance of conducting operations in accordance with the laws of war. He also stressed the need to protect innocent civilians and allow unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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