Sec. Austin on the Israel War: We’re Concerned About the Prospect of an Escalation of Attacks on Our Troops and People

EXCERPT:

AUSTIN: "Well, Jonathan, as you know, recently we’ve seen rocket and UAV attacks against bases housing our troops in Iraq and Syria. We're concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what we're seeing is a — is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region. And because of that, we're going to do what's necessary to make sure that our troops are in the right — in a good position, and they're protected, and that we have the ability to respond. Now, this additional deployment sends another message to those who would — who would seek to widen this conflict. As President Biden said earlier, and as you've heard me say, if any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is don't. We maintain the right to defend ourselves, and we won't hesitate to take the appropriate action."