US Boosts Military Presence in Middle East Amid Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
October 2, 2024As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the Pentagon has increased US military presence in the region to support ongoing operations.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment of several thousand troops to bolster fighter jet squadrons and protect US bases.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that any ceasefire should be a mutual agreement rather than a unilateral cessation of hostilities.
Recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut have intensified military exchanges, including the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Matthew Miller clarified that while options for evacuation are being explored, no decision has been made yet.
Americans in Lebanon have been advised to explore commercial flight options for evacuation, which reportedly start at around $8,000.
Despite reports of an imminent Israeli ground invasion, the State Department characterized the operations as limited and focused on Hezbollah infrastructure.
The Harris-Biden administration is actively pursuing ceasefires between Israel and both Hezbollah and Hamas, emphasizing the need for diplomatic resolutions.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati reported that Israeli strikes have displaced up to 1 million people in southern Lebanon.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah has increased rocket fire into Israel, leading to significant displacement of people on both sides of the border.
In light of the volatile security situation, the US has issued a Level 4 travel advisory against visiting Lebanon.
Despite the escalating tensions, the US State Department has announced there are currently no plans to evacuate American citizens from Lebanon.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources
New York Post • Sep 30, 2024
State Department not evacuating Americans from Lebanon 'at this time' despite escalation concernsMiddle East Eye • Sep 30, 2024
No evacuations 'yet' for Americans in Lebanon