US constructed secret military base in 'Israel': The Intercept

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Intercept
28 Oct 2023 03:46
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A report published in The Intercept says the base was established to counter the danger presented by Iranian mid-range missiles.

US and Israeli flags fill the field at Statler Park in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2023 (Joseph Prezioso/AFP)

Two months prior to the start of the Palestinian Resistance's Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, the Pentagon granted a multi-million dollar contract for the construction of facilities for US troops at a confidential base located in al-Naqab Desert, known by the codename Site 512, The Intercept reported.

Site 512, previously termed a "cooperative security location," a label meant for low-cost, minimal presence bases, has been applied to facilities capable of housing up to 1,000 troops, the report indicated on Friday.

According to The Intercept, Site 512 was not created to address the threat posed by the Palestinian Resistance, but rather to counter the danger presented by Iranian mid-range missiles.

However, when thousands of the Palestinian Resistance rockets were launched on October 7 toward illegal Israeli settlements and occupied cities, Site 512 remained inactive because its primary focus was monitoring Iran, which is over 700 miles away, the report pointed out.

Despite President Joe Biden's denial of plans to deploy US troops as part of the ongoing confrontation between the Palestinian Resistance and the Israeli occupation, a covert US military presence is in place and expanding, as indicated by government documents, the report revealed.

Since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the United States has shown unwavering support for "Israel" -- its biggest ally -- providing it with financial and military aid, greenlighting its massacres against the Palestinian people, and absolving the Israeli occupation of its daily crimes.

Biden is ramping up military aid to "Israel" to pave the way for a “swift, decisive and overwhelming” response against the Palestinian Resistance, as the White House is requesting an additional $14 billion in support from Congress - most of which is meant for weapons.

The American military claims to have prepared 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened standby for potential deployment to "Israel". However, defense officials state that the forces are not intended to serve in combat roles and are tasked with advising and medical roles, but some could enter to support Israeli occupation forces.

Two aircraft carrier groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, have already been sent to the region, which includes one missile cruiser, at least two destroyers, and dozens of aircraft including jet fighters alongside around 5,000 troops.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has reached the area, while US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to be sent there.

Austin stated that the deployments are intended "to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war."

The USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship currently near the Red Sea, has also been directed to steer toward "Israel".

The US defense chief also confirmed that the US would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system alongside additional Patriot battalions to "Israel".