US fears Iranian attacks as it withdraws troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
Title : US fears Iranian attacks as it withdraws troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
Link : US fears Iranian attacks as it withdraws troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the Pentagon pulls troops out of the Middle East in the coming weeks, under orders from US President Donald Trump, US military leaders are working to find other ways to deter potential attacks by Iran and its proxies, and to counter arguments that America is abandoning the region.
A senior US military official with knowledge of the region said Monday that Iran may try to take advantage of America’s troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan, and the planned departure of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from the Arabian Gulf.
The official said as a result military leaders have determined that based on the security situation in the region, the Nimitz must remain there now and “for some time to come.” In addition, the official said an additional fighter jet squadron may also be sent to the region, if needed.
The Nimitz left the Gulf region and was set to begin heading home. But the ship was ordered to return last week to provide additional security while the troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan continue. A US defense official said at the time that the decision would ensure that American troops could deter any adversary from taking action against US forces. No timeline was given, but the US military official speaking Monday made it clear that the change is open-ended, and it’s not clear when the ship’s crew will return home.
The potential Iranian threat has become an increasing concern in recent weeks following the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Iran has blamed the death on Israel, which has been suspected in previous killings of Iranian nuclear scientists. US officials are also worried about a possible Iranian retaliatory strike on the first anniversary of the US airstrike that killed Iran’s top general, Qassim Soleimani, and senior Iraqi militia leaders near Baghdad’s airport in early January. READ MORE https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-fears-iranian-attacks-as-it-withdraws-troops-from-iraq-afghanistan/
US fears Iranian attacks as it withdraws troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
US fears Iranian attacks as it withdraws troops from Iraq, Afghanistan
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