Khaberni - Central Command spokesperson for the U.S. forces, Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed that recent additional military reinforcements have entered the Middle East, aimed at executing specific missions including the protection of forces and U.S. interests and combating remnants of ISIS.
Regarding recent skirmishes in the Arabian Sea between U.S. forces and an Iranian drone, Hawkins blamed Tehran for the military escalation, accusing it of adopting "hostile and unprofessional" behavior, and stated that the escalation occurred when an Iranian drone approached the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" in international waters about 500 miles from the Iranian coast.
In statements to Al Jazeera, Hawkins reaffirmed that the movements of U.S. forces in the region are not "random"; they are organized and routine to raise the "readiness" of the forces, in case they are entrusted with any potential mission.
The U.S. military had shot down an Iranian drone last Tuesday using an F-35 fighter jet, when the drone approached the American aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" in the Arabian Sea.
The spokesperson said that the U.S. forces did not hesitate to shoot down the Iranian drone after maneuvers described by Washington as suspicious, pointing to the firm response made by the U.S. forces toward attempts by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to take control of commercial ships in international passages like the Strait of Hormuz.
It is noted that a group of Iranian military boats tried to intercept an American ship about 30 kilometers north of Oman, and approached the ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the possibilities of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, Captain Hawkins refused to speculate or disclose what the situation might lead to, but he emphasized that Washington would not risk the safety of its soldiers.
At the same time, he confirmed the state of "maximum alert" of the U.S. forces and their readiness for any mission they might be tasked with "in case diplomatic efforts fail."
Cooperation with "SDF"
Hawkins also mentioned the ongoing military and security operation being conducted by the United States to transfer ISIS detainees from detention centers in Northeast Syria to Iraq.
He stated that this operation is "making significant progress," noting that a full announcement of the results will be made once it is completed.
The Central Command spokesperson also touched on Washington's role in Syria, reiterating the continued field partnership with the "Syrian Democratic Forces" (SDF).
Hawkins stated that the U.S. military pressures aim to prevent ISIS from regaining its capacity to "export violence" to the region and the world, justifying the American presence there as necessary to ensure stability and prevent the resurgence of terrorism, especially in light of recent field changes in the northeast of the country.
