The head of the Pentagon announced the deployment of US air defense forces in the Middle East.

Washington will deploy a battery of the THAAD missile defense system and additional battalions of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems in the Middle East, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement on the Pentagon website.

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“I have activated the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, as well as additional Patriot battalions, to locations throughout the region to enhance the protection of American troops,” Austin said.

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In addition, the head of the defense department clarified that he ordered preparations for the deployment of additional troops “to enhance readiness and the ability to quickly respond if necessary.”