In a recent development, the United States has deployed a squadron of F/A-18 fighter jets from the Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier to a military base in an undisclosed location in the Middle East. The move comes as part of the Pentagon's efforts to defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies, and to ensure the safety of US troops in the region.

According to an anonymous US official, a dozen F/A-18 fighter jets and an E-2D Hawkeye surveillance aircraft took off from the carrier in the Gulf of Oman and arrived at the Middle East base on Monday. The deployment of these aircrafts follows the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas' top political leader in Iran, suspected to be a result of Israeli strikes.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the increased military presence in the region due to concerns about escalating violence in the Middle East. The deployment of the F/A-18s is expected to be temporary, as a squadron of Air Force F-22 fighter jets from Alaska is en route to the same base and is expected to arrive in the coming days.

The exact duration of the presence of these aircrafts at the base remains uncertain and will likely depend on the evolving situation. Nonetheless, the US Defense Department has stated their intent to maintain an aircraft carrier in the region and will also move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East.

The deployment of these fighter jets and the heightened military presence follow a rocket attack on a military base in Iraq on Monday, which injured five US service members and two contractors. The injured have been receiving treatment at the al-Asad air base, with two individuals evacuated. Thankfully, all seven individuals are reported to be in stable condition.

While tensions in the Middle East have been increasing, it is unclear if the recent rocket attack is directly linked to the Hezbollah and Hamas killings. However, the rocket attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by Iranian-backed militias. In recent weeks, these militias have resumed launching attacks on bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria.

The deployment of additional fighter jets and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region underscores the US commitment to ensuring the security of its allies and protecting its personnel in the face of escalating tensions in the Middle East. As the situation unfolds, US officials will closely monitor developments and take further actions as necessary to safeguard their interests.