U.S to deploy Defense Forces in Middle East post Haniyeh Assassination

U.S Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin III has directed the deployment of additional aircrafts and warships to counter ballistic missiles amid rising tensions in the Middle East, following the assassination of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh and bodyguard at his residence in Tehran, Iran on 31^st July, 2024.

Pentagon head sends forces to aid Israel

The Pentagon has decided on sending additional Navy shooters, a squadron of F-22 Air Force Fighter Jets and possibly, land-based defense systems to intercept ballistic missiles. Austin has also directed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, currently stationed in Eastern Pacific, to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the coming weeks. Moreover, several ships present in west of the Mediterranean Sea, will be moving eastward, to remain in closer proximity to the Israeli coast.

The strategic military movements have been made “to increase support for the defense of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” stated Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary of Pentagon, on Friday. The statement was released following a telephone call between Austin and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant; where the latter was assured of complete American support in their defense efforts in the Middle East.

Iran and Hamas vow retaliation

Although the aforementioned statement has not made any mention of Haniyeh’s killing, these measures have been taken to gear up against any potential attack from Iran and its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza. Iran has vowed to avenge the death of Ismael Haniyeh, who was laid to rest in Qatar this Friday. Conflict in the Middle East has risen further due to the assassination of Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr (on Tuesday,) for which Israel has claimed full responsibility. However, Israel is yet to respond to allegations regarding Haniyeh’s killing, despite his death being widely celebrated by the country’s citizens and politicians, alike.  

The U.S Defence Forces also intercepted, with support from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, an “unprecedented” Iranian attack on Israel, earlier in April. While most of the missiles had been shot down then, Israel and its ally, U.S have bolstered up, expecting Iran to make good on its promise.

Chances for Ceasefire endangered

The tension has intensified to the point that major airlines like Air India, Lufthansa and others have cancelled their flights to cities in the Middle East, like Beirut and Tel Aviv. French citizens have been urged to exit Iran while Cyprus has arranged large-scale evacuation plans for its citizens, should the situation escalate. Indian government has also cautioned its citizens to stay vigilant in Israel and has advised against travelling to Israel and Iran.

 President Biden has commented that the hit on Hamas leader “didn’t help” the ongoing endeavors to diffuse the situation and reach a Ceasefire. There has been a “very direct” conversation with Netanyahu about the need to declare a ceasefire, added Biden. The Israeli PM’s office has declared on Friday that their delegate will be visiting Cairo soon to broker a truce. However, Hamas remains unconvinced as Netanyahu wants to continue the war and is only using “empty statements to cover up his crimes” said Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official.