Pentagon: America Sends Air Defense Systems to the Middle East

The U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon) stated that the United States will send THAAD air defense systems and additional battalions of Patriot missile defense systems to the Middle East in response to recent attacks on U.S. forces in the region. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said, "After extensive discussions with President (Joe) Biden regarding the recent escalation by Iran and the forces it sponsors throughout the Middle East, I have today directed a series of additional steps to enhance the Department of Defense's posture in the region." Austin added that he would be sending additional forces to the region but did not specify the number.