US Sends Submarine to Middle East, Orders Carrier Strike Group to Increase Speed | Military News

The United States has ordered a guided missile submarine and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail to the Middle East amid rising tensions following the killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made the decision after a phone call with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Galant, where he reiterated the US commitment to defending Israel and strengthening military force posture in the region. The USS Georgia submarine is already in the Mediterranean, while the Abraham Lincoln has been deployed from the Asia Pacific and is expected to arrive by the end of the month, carrying fighter jets. The US military also plans to deploy additional aircraft and warships to reinforce Israeli defenses against possible Iranian attacks. The move comes after Hamas’ political leader was assassinated in Tehran and a Hezbollah commander was killed in Beirut by Israel, sparking concerns of a larger regional conflict. The US announcement followed an Israeli attack on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, which killed at least 90 people. Efforts for a ceasefire have been renewed, with Hamas calling for the implementation of a proposal put forward by President Joe Biden in May. Nearly 40,000 people have been killed since the conflict began last October, with more than 200 people taken captive by Hamas. Austin and Galant also discussed the importance of mitigating civilian harm, securing a ceasefire, and releasing hostages held in Gaza.

Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com