US boosts “defensive” air-support capabilities following Nasrallah’s killing

The United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has authorized the military to reinforce its capabilities in defensive air-support and put other forces on a heightened readiness status – according to the Pentagon.

Austin has “increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies,” Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said in a statement, without detailing what new aircraft will be deployed.

“Secretary Austin made clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people,” he added.