Rehoboth: In a resolute declaration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, representing the Biden administration, affirmed their readiness to take decisive action in the event of any threat against American military or civilian personnel in the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They pointed to the increasing involvement of "Iranian proxies" as a potential catalyst for further escalation in the region.
"This is not the outcome we desire, nor is it our objective. We are not seeking an escalation," Blinken emphasized, according to the Associated Press (AP). He stressed that the United States is committed to preventing harm to its troops and personnel, but it stands fully prepared to respond if such a situation arises.
Echoing Blinken's sentiments, Defense Secretary Austin expressed concerns about an anticipated surge in attacks targeting US troops and civilians across the region. Austin asserted that the United States possesses the right to self-defense and will not hesitate to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of its personnel. These high-ranking US officials issued their warning as Israel's military operation, initiated in response to a deadly Hamas attack on Israeli villages in southern Israel on October 7, entered its third week.
As tensions in the Middle East continued to escalate, Israeli aircraft conducted airstrikes in various locations in Gaza throughout Saturday night and into Sunday. They also targeted two airports in Syria and a mosque in the occupied West Bank, which was allegedly being used by militants. On Sunday, the US announced the evacuation of non-essential embassy personnel from Iraq.
Blinken, who recently visited the region, cautioned about the "potential for escalation." He added that no one desires to see the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which controls Gaza, spill over into a second or third front.
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