US fighter squadron arrives in Middle East
The New Jersey Air National Guard's 119 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in the Middle East on Tuesday (October 24), Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. The squadron has F-16 fighter jets, and officials would not say where exactly it went.
Ryder also said the US is preparing for an increase in violence, noting that there have already been at least 13 attacks against troops and installations in Iraq and Syria.
“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran,” he said during a Pentagon briefing.
He added that the US won't hesitate to take action, if needed, to protect its forces and interests in the region.