The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29)&nbsp;announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

In a statement, the Pentagon&nbsp;highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said.

"...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American&nbsp;citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy.

<h2>'Determined to prevent Iran,&nbsp;proxies from exploiting the situation': US</h2>

"The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added.

<h2>'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US</h2>

Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN,&nbsp;White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said.

The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said.

"We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added.

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<h2>US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike&nbsp;which killed Nasrallah</h2>

This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington&nbsp;had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike.&nbsp;

Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place.

“We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary&nbsp;told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region. In a statement, the Pentagon highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said. "...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy. 'Determined to prevent Iran, proxies from exploiting the situation': US "The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added. 'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said. The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said. "We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added. Also read: Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at Israel US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike which killed Nasrallah This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike. Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place. “We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time. (With inputs from agencies)

US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon

North Korea has sent about 6,700 containers carrying millions of munitions to Russia since July to support its war against Ukraine, said South Korea’s defence minister as Moscow’s full-scale invasion enters a third year. In exchange, Pyongyang received food as well as parts and raw materials for weapons manufacturing, according to officials in Seoul.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Operating at full capacity’</h2>

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told reporters that weapons and military equipment sent from North Korea to Russia included millions of rounds of artillery shells. In exchange, Pyongyang received shipments of food and other necessities.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;South Korea: North Korea sent Russia million of munitions

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Since July, North Korea might have shipped 6,700 containers with three million 152 mm artillery shells or 500,000 122 mm rounds to Russia, said Shin, as per South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;

“It could possibly be a mix of the two, and you can say that at least several million shells have been sent,” said the South Korean defence minister.&nbsp;

He also spoke about how hundreds of North Korean munitions factories are running at around 30 per cent of their capacity due to the lack of materials and electricity. However, those sending munitions to Russia were “operating at full capacity”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gifts-russian-made-car-to-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-violates-un-sanction-691948">Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, violating UN sanctions</a>

According to South Korea’s defence ministry, food accounts for the largest portion of containers – which also includes raw materials and parts used in weapons manufacturing – from Russia to North Korea.&nbsp;

“It seems that food accounts for the largest proportion, which is believed to have stabilised food prices in North Korea, with other necessities also included,” Shin told reporters.&nbsp;

He added that the volume of containers shipped from Russia to North Korea appeared to be around 30 per cent larger than those shipped from Pyongyang to Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>US, South Korea discuss munition transfers</h2>

South Korea’s defence ministry, on Wednesday (Feb 28) said that Shin discussed the transfers between North Korea and Russia with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, reported Yonhap.

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“They shared concerns the illegal arms transfers between Russia and North Korea pose a serious threat not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to global peace and stability, and pledged to firmly respond in coordination with the international community,” said the South Korean defence ministry in a statement after the two officials spoke over the phone.

Austin and his South Korean counterpart also condemned North Korea’s recent missile tests and pledged to maintain a ‘robust combined defence posture to deter Pyongyang’s provocations,’ reported Yonhap.

“The two sides strongly denounced North Korea's reckless actions, including multiple missile launches and various provocations at sea,” the statement added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Korea has sent about 6,700 containers carrying millions of munitions to Russia since July to support its war against Ukraine, said South Korea’s defence minister as Moscow’s full-scale invasion enters a third year.

North Korea has sent about 6,700 containers carrying millions of munitions to Russia since July to support its war against Ukraine, said South Korea’s defence minister as Moscow’s full-scale invasion enters a third year. In exchange, Pyongyang received food as well as parts and raw materials for weapons manufacturing, according to officials in Seoul. ‘Operating at full capacity’ South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik told reporters that weapons and military equipment sent from North Korea to Russia included millions of rounds of artillery shells. In exchange, Pyongyang received shipments of food and other necessities. WATCH | South Korea: North Korea sent Russia million of munitions Since July, North Korea might have shipped 6,700 containers with three million 152 mm artillery shells or 500,000 122 mm rounds to Russia, said Shin, as per South Korean news agency Yonhap. “It could possibly be a mix of the two, and you can say that at least several million shells have been sent,” said the South Korean defence minister. He also spoke about how hundreds of North Korean munitions factories are running at around 30 per cent of their capacity due to the lack of materials and electricity. However, those sending munitions to Russia were “operating at full capacity”. Also Read | Putin gifts Russian-made car to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, violating UN sanctions According to South Korea’s defence ministry, food accounts for the largest portion of containers – which also includes raw materials and parts used in weapons manufacturing – from Russia to North Korea. “It seems that food accounts for the largest proportion, which is believed to have stabilised food prices in North Korea, with other necessities also included,” Shin told reporters. He added that the volume of containers shipped from Russia to North Korea appeared to be around 30 per cent larger than those shipped from Pyongyang to Moscow. US, South Korea discuss munition transfers South Korea’s defence ministry, on Wednesday (Feb 28) said that Shin discussed the transfers between North Korea and Russia with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, reported Yonhap. Also Read | Russia claims to have taken over village of Pobieda in Ukraine's Donetsk region “They shared concerns the illegal arms transfers between Russia and North Korea pose a serious threat not only to the Korean Peninsula but also to global peace and stability, and pledged to firmly respond in coordination with the international community,” said the South Korean defence ministry in a statement after the two officials spoke over the phone. Austin and his South Korean counterpart also condemned North Korea’s recent missile tests and pledged to maintain a ‘robust combined defence posture to deter Pyongyang’s provocations,’ reported Yonhap. “The two sides strongly denounced North Korea's reckless actions, including multiple missile launches and various provocations at sea,” the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea sent millions of munitions to Russia in exchange for food: South Korea

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly.

"I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public and I take full responsibility," Austin said.

"I apologize to my teammates and to the American people," he added.

He then said that he had directly apologised to President Biden.

"I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis," he told journalists. "I have apologised directly to President Biden."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-makes-first-appearance-since-secret-hospitalisation-682926">Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery</a>

<h2>'Did not direct staff to conceal hospitalisation'</h2>

Austin claimed that he did not direct his "staff to conceal hospitalisation from anyone" further adding that he had not considered resigning. However, he admitted, "We did not get this right."

Elucidating his current health condition in his address, he said that he was still recovering and has limited use of one leg. He then said that he was using a golf cart to get around the Pentagon building.

"I'm recovering well, but as you can see, I'm still recovering. I'm still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy to get past it. I'm deeply grateful to my doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed, and I very much appreciate all the good wishes," the Pentagon chief said.

Earlier, on Jan 29, Austin made his very first appearance at the Pentagon a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan.&nbsp;

According to reports, he met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

<h2>Austin's secret hospitalisation</h2>

The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day.

However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15.

"The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities."

Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January.

His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them.

He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly.

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday (Feb 1) apologised for hiding his prostate cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Joe Biden and the government stating that he did not handle the situation rightly. "I want to be crystal clear. We did not handle this right and I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public and I take full responsibility," Austin said. "I apologize to my teammates and to the American people," he added. He then said that he had directly apologised to President Biden. "I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis," he told journalists. "I have apologised directly to President Biden." Also read: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to Pentagon a month after prostate cancer surgery 'Did not direct staff to conceal hospitalisation' Austin claimed that he did not direct his "staff to conceal hospitalisation from anyone" further adding that he had not considered resigning. However, he admitted, "We did not get this right." Elucidating his current health condition in his address, he said that he was still recovering and has limited use of one leg. He then said that he was using a golf cart to get around the Pentagon building. "I'm recovering well, but as you can see, I'm still recovering. I'm still having some leg pain and doing physical therapy to get past it. I'm deeply grateful to my doctors and the nursing staff at Walter Reed, and I very much appreciate all the good wishes," the Pentagon chief said. Earlier, on Jan 29, Austin made his very first appearance at the Pentagon a day after three US soldiers were killed in drone strikes at a military base in Jordan. According to reports, he met the secretary general of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, and senior defence officials, including Gen. Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Austin's secret hospitalisation The 70-year-old underwent surgery on Dec 22 to treat prostate cancer and came back home the same day. However, he was again hospitalised on Jan 1 for complications including nausea and severe pain and was discharged on Jan 15. "The Secretary continues to recover well and, on the advice of doctors, will recuperate and perform his duties remotely for a period of time before returning full-time to the Pentagon," the statement said. "He has full access to required secure communications capabilities." Austin had kept his cancer diagnosis and hospitalisation from President Biden and senior officials a secret until January. His mishandling of the situation was a violation of the protocol for top-ranking cabinet officials, who reportedly have to inform well in advance of planned medical absences and identify the one who would be filling in for them. He had earlier released a statement saying that he "could have done a better job" and took "full responsibility" for the secrecy over his hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

US defense secretary Lloyd Austin apologises for secret hospitalisation: 'I did not handle this right'