MAJOR UPDATE: U.S. Government Sending Powerful THAAD Missile Systems and Patriot air Defense Battalions to the Middle East
Pentagon sites attacks on US troops as reason for move!
The United States has sent a massive amount of naval power to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships, and about 2,000 Marines.
Washington is on red alert for activity by Iran-backed groups as tensions rise with Israel and Hamas fighting to the death.
“Following detailed discussions with President (Joe) Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
🚨MAJOR UPDATE: U.S. Government Sending Powerful THAAD Missile Systems and Patriot air Defense Battalions to the Middle East ⚠️
Pentagon sites attacks on US troops as reason for move!
The United States has sent a massive amount of naval power to the Middle East, including two… pic.twitter.com/bdhs4OFwb3
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) October 22, 2023
What does THAAD stand for?
Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense
What does it do?
It intercepts ballistic missiles during their final, or terminal, phase of flight.
Does it fit inside a C-17?
Yes pic.twitter.com/ZbYYuuisg6
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) October 22, 2023
New announcement from the DOD this evening, in response to “recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region”, the US will deploy the Eisenhower CSG to the CENTCOM AOR, along with an additional THAAD ABM battery and PATRIOT SAM battalions. pic.twitter.com/CO0xccHgBK
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) October 22, 2023
Additionally, an “additional number of forces [have been placed] on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning”t.co/n6TsNdiDSN
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) October 22, 2023
82nd Airborne Division
On 20 minute deployment alert.HOOAH pic.twitter.com/BLK7iSSTrI
— Rick De La Garza (@RichardDeLaGar4) October 22, 2023
At least 1 Rocket is reported to have Struck the Interior of Al-Asad Airbase in Western Iraq within the last Hour; Damage and/or Casualties are currently Unknown but this would be the Second Attack on the U.S. Base within the last 24 Hours.
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 22, 2023
BREAKING: Rocket attack on Ain al-Asad base in Iraq housing US troops
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) October 22, 2023
Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Steps to Increase Force Posture
Oct. 21, 2023
Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region. These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.
First, I redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.
I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.
Finally, I have placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.
I will continue to assess our force posture requirements in the region and consider deploying additional capabilities as necessary.
❗️Reports in Syria: Israel bombed Damascus & Aleppo airports; flight operations at both airports now paralyzed (via @ynetalerts) t.co/KYnffA6Cq4
— Israel Radar (@IsraelRadar_com) October 22, 2023
Looks like the Israeli Air Force struck the Syrian airports in Damascus and Aleppo again a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/GHtL7vMcLn
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 22, 2023
Buzzin
border 🇯🇴🇸🇾🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/Aqt6R9yCj7
— 360°Radar (@wipljw) October 22, 2023
BREAKING: 🇮🇱 IDF strikes on Damascus Airport leave two dead
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) October 22, 2023
THAADs on C5s flying in
🇺🇸2 x Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy pic.twitter.com/VzdCYVncPi
— 360°Radar (@wipljw) October 22, 2023
Seeing currently 7 US Military Airlifters (C5s and C17s) in the air. Massive operation underway.
JUST IN: Pentagon Puts Troops on 'Prepare-to-Deploy' Status Amid Attacks on US in Middle East t.co/cdcw9FHXoE
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) October 22, 2023
SPAR15 landed Tel Aviv from Riyadh, probably U.S. delegation led by US Senator Lindsey Graham
05-0730 pic.twitter.com/HulENdKoym
— avi scharf (@avischarf) October 22, 2023
BREAKING:
Iranian media, Tasmin:
U.S. Army bases will be destroyed when Israel's ground operation against Gaza begins. For several days in a row, US bases in the Near East have been attacked by kamikaze drones.
The US bases across the Middle East are literally surrounded… pic.twitter.com/bRUoSRPMt7
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) October 21, 2023
C17 out of Ramstein on approach to Tel Aviv
Squawking RCH597
Operational update on the northern border with @jconricus t.co/V3TgYTPv1C
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 22, 2023
h/t DOORBERT