The United States plans to dispatch a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defense missile system units to the Middle East, according to an announcement from the Pentagon on Saturday, in response to recent assaults on U.S. troops in the area.
Over the past few weeks, the U.S. has deployed a substantial naval presence to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, their support vessels, and approximately 2,000 Marines. Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Washington remains on high alert for activities by Iran-backed groups in the region.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that after detailed talks with President Joe Biden regarding recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces in the Middle East region, he has directed additional measures to bolster the Department of Defense’s stance in the area. While Austin didn’t specify the number, he mentioned placing additional troops on standby for deployment, with around 2,000 troops already on heightened readiness.
The move comes two years after the Biden administration withdrew air defense systems from the Middle East, citing a decrease in tensions with Iran. The Patriot, recognized as one of the most advanced U.S. air defense systems, remains in high demand among allies worldwide. Additionally, the THAAD system, known for its powerful radar, stirred controversy when deployed to South Korea in 2016, sparking concerns from China about potential airspace surveillance.
Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria following the eruption of conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. Notably, a U.S. warship intercepted numerous drones and cruise missiles fired by Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen. Amid escalating tensions, Israel initiated a “total siege” of Gaza in response to a cross-border attack that resulted in a significant loss of life, including civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported a substantial death toll, including numerous children, and a significant displacement of residents in the region.
