US boosts military capability in the Middle East, sends F-22 jets

Image credit: US Central Command/X

The US is boosting its defensive military capabilities in the Middle East in response to growing tensions in the region, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.

As part of this strategy, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin III has ordered the deployment of US Air Force F-22 Raptors, additional ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers to the US European Command (EUCOM) and US Central Command (CENTCOM) regions.

“The US F-22 Raptors that arrived in the region today represent one of many efforts to deter aggression, defend Israel and protect US forces in the region,” Austin posted.

He added, “I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages.”

Additionally, an extra fighter squadron will be sent to the Middle East to strengthen air defence capabilities.

Singh also emphasised that the Pentagon remains focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Gaza. 

According to media reports, the head of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, had arrived in Israel for his second visit this week to assess the security situation amid fears of a region-wide Middle East conflict.

US military presence in Middle East countries

Currently, the US has an estimated 30,000 to 45,000 troops stationed across the Middle East, spread over more than a dozen countries at 19 sites and on ships throughout the region’s waters. 

Some of the key locations include:

• Qatar: Home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East and CENTCOM’s regional headquarters, hosting around 8,000 personnel.
• Bahrain: Hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters with approximately 9,000 personnel.
• Kuwait: A key logistical hub with 13,500 troops, playing a crucial role since the 2003 Iraq war.
• UAE: Accommodates around 3,500 US military personnel, along with critical ports for the US Navy.
• Saudi Arabia: Over 2,700 US troops are stationed here, focusing on training and advising Saudi armed forces and protecting US interests.
• Jordan: Hosts about 3,000 American troops, crucial for intelligence operations in Syria and Iraq.
• Iraq: Houses 2,500 US personnel, spread across several facilities including Union III and Ain Al Asad air base.
• Syria: Approximately 900 US troops are based in small outposts, mostly in the northeast of the country.

US naval presence in the region

The US Navy also maintains a significant presence in the region. 

As of early August, the navy had multiple large warship formations, including a carrier strike group and an amphibious assault group, conducting operations, in the region.

“These posture adjustments add to the broad range of capabilities the US military maintains in the region, including the USS Wasp amphibious ready group/Marine expeditionary unit operating in the eastern Mediterranean,” the Pentagon’s statement read.

A @USNavy E-2D refuels inflight from an @usairforce HC-130 over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. pic.twitter.com/pRkmM4IRIP

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 6, 2024

The amphibious ready group includes one amphibious assault ship, one dock-landing ship, one amphibious transport dock, and 30 aircraft, with a personnel count of 5,000 sailors and marines.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group will replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group in the CENTCOM region, according to a Department of Defense press release issued on August 2. 

Additionally, the US is deploying F-22 Raptors and repositioning the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group as part of enhanced force protection measures.

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