Pentagon confirms removal of troops and air defence assets from Middle East
19 June, 2021
The US Pentagon on Friday confirmed it is removing troops and capacities from the Middle East come early july to be redeployed to other regions.
Pentagon spokeswoman Jessica McNulty said Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had directed the commander of US Central Command to remove certain forces - generally air defence assets - from the spot in the coming months.
“Many of these assets will be returned to America for much-needed maintenance and repair. Many of them will be redeployed to other regions,” Ms McNulty said, without elaborating.
The Pentagon stressed your choice was made “in close co-ordination with host nations and with a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our security commitments”.
Ms McNulty said these changes will never be detrimental to national security interests in the centre East.
“We also wthhold the overall flexibility to rapidly flow forces back to the center East as conditions warrant," she said.
“Our enduring commitment in the region is quite clear from the incredible range of partnership activities and close defence consultations we conduct to your significant remaining ground, air and naval footprint."
The Wall Street Journal reported that the US reducing its military footprint in your community in what it called a shift to facing challenges from China and Russia.
The paper said the reduction entails removing about eight Patriot anti-missile batteries, a Terminal THIN AIR Area Defence (THAAD) anti-missile system and fighter squadrons.
Hundreds of troops may also be redeployed as the administration of US President Joe Biden targets Asia and aims to de-escalate tension with Iran.
Last week, Mr Austin described China as the principal challenge for the administration.
He issued an interior directive to "laser focus" the Pentagon's "efforts to handle China as the nation's number 1 pacing challenge".
Source: www.thenationalnews.com