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U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has directed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and expedited the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the region.
Representational Image/ X
This decision, made on Sunday evening, came after a phone conversation between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, as tensions escalated following the deaths of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
USS Abraham Lincoln Moved After Talks
The Abraham Lincoln has been stationed in the Asia Pacific but has now been directed to the Middle East to take over for the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group, which is set to start its journey back home. Earlier, Austin mentioned that The Lincoln, which has F-35 and F/A-18 fighter jets on board, was expected to reach the Central Command area before the end of the month.
ABC News reported that in a statement, Pentagon press secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, said that the move comes following the conversation between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The statement echoed America’s charge “to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.”
Austin and Gallant had also discussed “the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza,” the statement added.
Speculation on Social Media
The reports started a series of speculation on social media, with many questioning if the United States was planning on launching an attack. “Update: US War Chief General Lloyd Austin orders the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier battle group and other war ships to speed to the Middle East immediately at full speed ahead!! War about to kick off in hours!!” wrote a user on X.
“US Defense Secretary General Lloyd Austin orders the USS Abraham Lincoln and warships to rush to the Middle East. War could ignite within hours! Will this Be Start To World War 3?” read another post.
“Overnight, #Hezbollah fired 30 rockets at the western Galilee, northern #Israel. Significant preparations detected in #Iran for an attack which could come in the next 24 hours. The US sends the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and submarine USS Georgia to the Middle-East,” expressed a user.
“This is all intentional bc it’s crucial timing with US election. Israel is making sure US starts WWIII before the next President is elected,” opined another.
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