The Defense Department has been actively moving vessels and aircraft across the Middle East to enhance U.S. force protection, strengthen defense capabilities for Israel, and ensure readiness to respond to various contingencies. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group will replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the U.S. Central Command region. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the U.S. European Command and Centcom regions, as well as an extra fighter squadron to the Middle East for enhanced defensive air support capability.
In a recent press briefing, it was mentioned that the U.S. military has a wide range of capabilities in the region, including the USS Wasp amphibious ready group/Marine expeditionary unit operating in the eastern Mediterranean. Secretary Austin also recently had a discussion with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s security and right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. They discussed the U.S. force posture adjustments being made for defense and deterrence purposes, emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions in the region, support a Gaza cease-fire, and secure the release of hostages.
In other developments, the Defense Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense of Niger, announced the completion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez. This withdrawal operation, which commenced on May 19, was carried out following the mutual agreement on withdrawal conditions. Ongoing coordination between U.S. and Nigerien armed forces is set to ensure the full withdrawal is executed as planned, with less than 24 U.S. military personnel remaining in the country. The target date for a complete withdrawal from Niger is September 15, in line with the established timeline.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin recently signed a memo reserving the authority to enter into pretrial agreements with individuals accused in the 9/11 military commission cases. As the superior convening authority, he withdrew from the pretrial agreements that had been previously signed in those cases. This move reflects ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and justice in relation to the 9/11 attacks, indicating a commitment to upholding the principles of the military commission process.
