The Pentagon announced on Friday that it will deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets and refueling aircraft, in addition to naval destroyers in the Middle East, as part of resetting US military assets in the region.

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement: “In line with our commitments to protect American citizens and forces in the Middle East, defend Israel, and de-escalate through deterrence and diplomacy, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of more ballistic missile defense destroyers, and a squadron Fighters, refueling aircraft, as well as long-range B-52 bombers are in the area.” 

The statement explained that these forces will begin arriving in the region in the coming months, as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group prepares to leave. 

Raeder added that these new operations are in addition to the recent decision to deploy the THAAD missile defense system in Israel