Israel, Qatar and Bahrain: Pentagon chief begins tour of Middle East countries
Kyiv • UNN
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit a number of countries in the Middle East to strengthen diplomatic ties and discuss regional security issues, including reducing tensions in Gaza. During his tour, he will also discuss the naval aggression by Yemeni Houthi rebels.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has begun his multi-day tour of the Middle East. The Pentagon chief is expected to meet soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This was reported by The New York Times, according to UNN.
Details
It is noted that on the eve Austin will visit Kuwait and Bahrain. The day before, the US Secretary of Defense expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah.
His Highness Sheikh Nawaf has been a valued partner and friend of the United States who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to diplomacy and has sought to ease tensions in the Middle East
Later, he will arrive in Israel to discuss with the country's military leadership a possible reduction in intensive ground operations and air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
Addendum
In addition to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Israel, the US Secretary of Defense also plans to visit the US military stationed in Qatar.
In Bahrain, Austin is going to visit the U.S. Central Command of the U.S. Navy, the Pentagon said. The visit will focus on efforts to convene multilateral coalitions to respond to the "aggression at sea" by Yemeni Houthis, which threatens all world shipping.
Recall
The Yemeni Houthi group attacked two cargo ships in the Red Sea: one was hit by a drone and the other by a ballistic missile. A US official confirmed that the Liberian-flagged vessel was hit, causing fires.
