With tensions rising, the US also announced on Sunday that it had ordered non-emergency staff to leave its embassy in Iraq.
Israeli troops patrol the border fence with Gaza. Photo: AFP
“We think there is a potential for escalation,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS News. “No one should use this moment to escalate further attacks on Israel or attacks on our personnel.”
Mr Blinken said the US, which has sent two aircraft carrier groups to the eastern Mediterranean, was "taking every measure to ensure that we can defend them. And if necessary, respond decisively".
Earlier, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of "the potential for a significant escalation of attacks on our troops" in the region.
Mr Austin said he had activated the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot battalions “throughout the region”.
“Finally, I have placed additional forces on standby orders... to enhance their readiness and ability to respond rapidly as required,” he added.
The comments come amid growing concerns that Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and other groups could exploit tensions in Gaza to widen the conflict.
The US State Department announced on Friday that it had ordered non-emergency personnel and eligible family members to leave the US Embassy and Consulates in Iraq, “due to increased security threats to US personnel and interests.” The statement also warned US citizens against traveling to Iraq.
Several US-led or coordinated military bases in Iraq have come under attack in recent days. Meanwhile, along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, the Israeli military has clashed with the militant group Hezbollah amid fears of a new front opening.
The US allowed non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave the embassy in Lebanon last week.
The Israeli military said it would intensify its attacks on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip ahead of a planned ground offensive. The Israeli military has been pounding Gaza since October 7, killing more than 4,650 Palestinians and leaving many densely populated urban areas in ruins, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry .
Hoang Hai (according to AFP, Reuters, CNA)
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