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<h1 class="gmail-reader-title">Dozens of US commandos in 'Israel' aiding occupation forces</h1>
<div class="gmail-credits gmail-reader-credits">Al Mayadeen English - November 1, 2023<br></div>
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<div class="gmail-moz-reader-content gmail-reader-show-element"><div id="gmail-readability-page-1" class="gmail-page"><p>US
Special Operations forces are present in the dozens in "Israel" to aid
the IOF amid the Israeli genocide being perpetrated in Gaza.</p><img src="cid:ii_lof6np2k0" alt="2142dee1-220e-4f82-a04c-498a168f083b.jpeg" width="392" height="261"><br><div><ul id="gmail-content-slick-0"><div aria-hidden="false"><li>Airmen from US Air Force Special Operations Command brief
Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations
and low-intensity conflict, on March 7, 2023. (DoD Photo)
</li></div></ul>
<p>Dozens of US commandos are currently present in "Israel" aiding the
IOF amid the Israeli war on Gaza in a number of roles, according to US
Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher P. Maier.</p>
<p>According to the Pentagon official, the US commandos are currently
"helping the Israelis to do a number of things," although the main task,
according to Maier, was to help the occupation identify the Israeli
captives held by the Palestinian Resistance and their location.</p>
<p>Israeli media had earlier reported, on October 10, that US special
forces were put on high alert in a nearby European country to take part
in operations in Gaza to take back the captives.</p>
<p>Maier did not specify the number of US Special Operations forces
currently operating in occupied Palestine, but other officials have said
that the Pentagon has dispatched several dozen commandos.</p>
<p>The American military claims to have <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-military-aid-to-israel:-heres-what-to-know">prepared 2,000 personnel </a>and
a range of units on a heightened standby for potential deployment to
"Israel". However, defense officials state that the forces are not
intended to serve in combat roles and are tasked with advising and
medical roles, but some could <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-ramping-up-presence-in-middle-east-to-assist-israel:-pent">enter to support Israeli forces.</a></p>
<p>Two aircraft carrier groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D.
Eisenhower -- which include one missile cruiser, at least two
destroyers, and dozens of aircraft including jet fighters alongside
around 5,000 servicemen and women -- have already been sent to the
region.</p>
<p>The USS Gerald R. Ford has reached the area, while US Defense
Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
aircraft carrier to be sent there. </p>
<h2>US deploys anti-ballistic missile system</h2>
<p>Austin confirmed on October 22 that the US would deploy a <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-military-aid-to-israel:-heres-what-to-know">Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)</a> anti-ballistic missile defense system alongside additional Patriot battalions to "Israel".</p>
<p>In his statement, he said: "Following detailed discussions with
President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces
across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional
steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the
region … I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High
Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot
battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force
protection for US forces".</p>
<p>Austin ordered additional troops for standby "to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required."</p>
<p>An escalation in CENTCOM, which includes the Middle East, might
happen in the "days ahead", the United States Department of Defense
spokesperson, Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, told reporters
on October 23.</p>
<p><a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/ain-al-asad-airbase-targeted-with-4-rockets:-sources-to-al-m">US bases in Iraq</a> and Syria have been <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-omar-oil-field-base-in-syria-under-attack-explosions-repo">under constant attack</a>
from Resistance forces in support of the Palestinian Resistance, amid
the US' unwavering support for "Israel" and its massacres in Gaza.</p>
<p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-constructed-secret-military-base-in-israel:-the-intercept">US constructed secret military base in 'Israel': The Intercept</a></strong></p></div></div></div>
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