**US Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions**

The United States is intensifying its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional troops and keeping an aircraft carrier stationed in the region as tensions escalate. This decision follows the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces in Lebanon on Friday, which has raised concerns about potential broader conflict in the region.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its accompanying destroyers, to remain in the Middle East. This directive extends the carrier’s rerouting from its planned deployment in the Pacific just a month ago. Additionally, the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which recently departed its home port in Virginia, may also be stationed in the region, potentially resulting in a two-carrier presence in the Middle East for the second time since the summer.

Further bolstering the military capabilities, the Pentagon announced plans to send additional air-support assets in the coming days. The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, already in the eastern Mediterranean, will remain on duty. This group includes the amphibious ships USS New York and USS Oak Hill, supported by thousands of Marines prepared for potential civilian evacuations from Lebanon. The USS Wasp, equipped with Marine-operated F-35B fighter planes, enhances the aerial strike capability if required.

The military maneuvers highlight the robust US response capabilities in the region, as emphasized by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. The US now boasts more military force in the Middle East than it did in April, exemplified by the heightened presence of various fighter and attack squadrons, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft.

This deployment comes at a significant cost to the Navy and impacts the Indo-Pacific region by reallocating ships to the Middle East. Despite the strain, US forces have remained active, downing missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces at commercial shipping in the Red Sea. American destroyers recently intercepted multiple Houthi-launched cruise and ballistic missiles.

During the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's extended deployment to the Red Sea, US forces launched over 135 Tomahawk missiles at Houthi targets in Yemen. The Eisenhower's aircraft executed various defense strikes, including firing 60 air-to-air missiles and 420 air-to-surface weapons. Following its return to Virginia in July, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier group has continued these operations, maintaining pressure on Houthi forces.

The continued US military buildup in the Middle East underscores the volatile situation and the readiness to protect American interests and allies in the face of increasing threats.