The United States is increasing its use of fighter jets in the critical Strait of Hormuz to protect ships from Iranian seizure.
Washington is becoming more concerned about the strengthening relations between Iran, Russia and Syria throughout the Middle East, the US media outlets said.
The US will send F-16 fighter jets to the Gulf this weekend to support the A-10 attack aircraft that have been patrolling for over a week; the official told reporters at the Pentagon.
The decision comes after Iran tried to seize two oil tankers last week as it attempted to fire at one of them near the Strait.
Meanwhile, The US military’s most recent statement comes just a few weeks after it sent a fleet of F-22 Raptors to the Middle East due to Russia’s risky and improper behaviour over Syria.
“A-10s have been flying over the Strait of Hormuz and the broader [Gulf] areas for about a week and a half now. Moreover, we are starting to fly f-16s this weekend, as well, to further robust that presence,” the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters.
The increased air presence will provide the US “really good visibility” over the ships in the area, their cargo, and their owners. Moreover, the official added that it enables us to evaluate whether vessels might be in danger.
The official declined to provide more details but insisted that the US would not cede any land and keep carrying out anti-ISIS airstrikes in the country’s western region.
