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September 28, 2024 – 00:35
Washington, Sep 27 (EFE).- US President Joe Biden asked the Pentagon this Friday to evaluate and adjust, if necessary, US forces in the Middle East to promote a de-escalation of tensions in the region.
The White House noted that the president has also requested that the protection of forces be guaranteed and “the entire range of American objectives” be reinforced, as well as that it be guaranteed that United States embassies take appropriate protection measures.
This Friday, an Israeli bombardment with unprecedented intensity devastated several buildings in the suburbs of Beirut, leaving two dead and dozens injured so far, amid reports that the target would have been the leader of the Shiite group Hezbollah, Hasan Nasrallah.
The attack, which caused audible explosions throughout the Lebanese capital and huge columns of smoke visible from afar, collapsed several buildings in the heart of the southern suburbs of Dahye.
The White House indicated to the press that Biden was informed “several times” by his national security team of the latest developments in the Middle East and that he will continue to receive updates on the matter.
The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, stressed in another statement that the United States was not previously informed of these attacks and was not involved.
Austin spoke today with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant. The call, he said, “took place while Israel’s operation was already underway.”
“Diplomacy remains the best way forward, and is the fastest way to allow displaced Israeli and Lebanese citizens to return to their homes on both sides of the border,” he stressed. EFE
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