Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder provided an update on September 12, 2024, highlighting the U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment to maintaining a strong force posture in the Middle East and supporting Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions and conflicts.
Ryder emphasized the U.S. focus on protecting its forces and supporting Israel’s defense capabilities in the Middle East, following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. The USS Theodore Roosevelt has transitioned to the Indo-Pacific region, leaving the USS Abraham Lincoln to maintain U.S. presence in the Central Command (CENTCOM) region. Ryder assured that U.S. forces are ready to respond to any contingencies while supporting efforts to bring about a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza.
Closer to home, Ryder provided an update on the impact of Tropical Storm Francine in Louisiana, which made landfall as a category two hurricane. The storm has led to widespread evacuations and power outages, with Louisiana National Guardsmen actively involved in recovery operations.
In addition to addressing ongoing efforts in the Middle East, Ryder touched on the Ukraine conflict. He reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, emphasizing that the U.S. policy on long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine has not changed. The Pentagon remains focused on providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to defend its sovereignty and recover occupied territories, with no specific new changes in policy at this time.
Ryder also discussed concerns about U.S. technology making its way into Russian weapons, a topic raised during a Senate hearing. He assured that the Pentagon is working with interagency partners to prevent such occurrences and reiterated the importance of ongoing sanctions against Russia.
The briefing concluded with Ryder confirming the U.S. commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with global partners, including through defense agreements and diplomatic efforts, while continuing to monitor tensions in key regions.
Ryder’s remarks reflect the U.S. Department of Defense’s ongoing strategic engagement in multiple regions, ensuring both military readiness and diplomatic initiatives remain aligned with the nation’s defense goals.–News Desk