US to send additional air defence missiles to Middle East

The United States has announced it is strengthening its military readiness in the Middle East in light of the "recent escalation in the region".

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defence missile system battalions will be sent to the region, and more troops will be put on standby, adding that the "measures will enhance regional deterrence efforts, enhance the protection of American forces in the region, and contribute to the defence of Israel".

He noted that he will continue to "evaluate the needs" of the American military apparatus in the region and "consider deploying additional means if necessary".

Washington has already sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in recent weeks, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines.

Austin indicated that he made this decision "after conversations" with US President Joe Biden, without clarifying the number of additional forces that will be deployed.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict kicked off on October 7, 4,385 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, while more than 1,400 people died on the Israeli side.

On Sunday, the Israeli army accused the Lebanese Hezbollah of seeking military escalation in the border region, warning that this would "drag Lebanon into war," after a renewed exchange of rocket fire between Israel and the party.