In an unusual disclosure, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the deployment of a nuclear-powered Ohio-class submarine to the Middle East on Sunday, amid a surge in attacks on U.S. troops in the region.
This move, coupled with weekend exercises and bomber deployments, is seen as a stern warning to adversaries seeking to escalate conflict, according to official statements.
During the same period, Iran-backed militias launched seven additional "harassing" drone or rocket attacks on bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, bringing the total to 38. This was confirmed by Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on Monday, as reported by Politico.
While the Pentagon flexed its military muscle in the Middle East, Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a diplomatic mission, meeting leaders of the Palestinian Authority, Iraq, Turkey, and others to prevent a broader war.
Ryder revealed that at least 46 servicemembers reported minor injuries from the attacks on October 17 and 18, with new injuries emerging. On October 25, the Pentagon confirmed that at least 21 personnel sustained minor injuries during the drone attacks on Al Assad Airbase in Iraq and the Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria. These personnel have since returned to duty, according to an emailed statement.
Ryder noted in the statement, "It is important to note, in some cases service members may report injuries such as TBI several days after attacks occur, so numbers may change. We will continue to work closely with U.S. Central Command to provide updates as appropriate."
In response to the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict and to deter actors opposing American support for Israel, the Pentagon has increased deployments to the Middle East in recent weeks.
On Sunday, CENTCOM also revealed a U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer strategic bomber receiving mid-air refueling as part of a larger Bomber Task Force mission in the CENTCOM area. This mission aimed to enhance agility and interoperability between U.S. and partner air forces, demonstrating the U.S. military's ability to respond to crises across theaters, as stated by CENTCOM.
The Ohio-class U.S. submarine deployed to the CENTCOM area is a SSGN, armed with up to 154 cruise missiles instead of nuclear-armed ballistic missiles, a Navy spokesperson said, as reported by Business Insider. The submarine was photographed transiting the Suez Canal between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
For security reasons, the Pentagon seldom discloses submarine deployments.
Moreover, the U.S.S. Dwight. D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, escorted by a cruiser and two destroyers, arrived in the Middle East on Saturday, according to CENTCOM. The Eisenhower strike group joined the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford carrier group already stationed in the region.
The Ford and Eisenhower strike groups conducted joint drills with the Italian navy in the eastern Mediterranean the day before, involving more than 11,000 U.S. sailors and aviators, the U.S. Navy announced in a press release.
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