Staff Reports
The National Security Agency (NSA) is on high alert as Israel prepares for a ground offensive in Gaza, according to sources. The NSA, responsible for collecting foreign signals intelligence, has transitioned from normal shifts to 24-hour watches in order to support Israel and monitor threats against US forces in the region. This change will last for at least four months. The US government and Central Command believe that Israel could initiate its offensive at any time, creating the potential for Lebanese Hezbollah to open up another front in the conflict. Pentagon officials express concerns about a potential escalation of attacks against US troops following Israel’s ground incursion.
The Iranian-proxy forces have already increased their attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria in the past week. Additionally, they fired five Iranian-provided cruise missiles and launched 30 drones towards Israel from Yemen. So far, there have been no military deaths as a result of these attacks, but 21 US troops were injured in just two days of drone attacks in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon has confirmed that some injuries may not be immediately apparent and could develop over time, potentially including traumatic brain injury.
Exclusive: NSA Put on 24-Hour Watch as Israel Readies Ground Offensivehttps://t.co/OyoClpkQWY
— Trumpish Retired NCO (@virgofiveeight) October 27, 2023
In response to the escalating threats, the Pentagon is taking several steps to protect US forces. Approximately 900 troops are being deployed to the region, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. He has also deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot battalions. Furthermore, an additional number of US forces are on prepare-to-deploy orders to ensure a rapid response if necessary.
The Biden administration is also preparing for the possible evacuation of hundreds of thousands of American citizens from the Middle East if the situation in Gaza worsens. The Pentagon attributes the escalation of attacks against US forces to Iran, stating that Iran funds, arms, equips, and trains militias and proxy forces that undermine stability in the region. Despite warnings from President Biden and his administration, hostile actors in the region continue to escalate the violence, launching missiles and rockets towards Israel.
The NSA has yet to comment on the reports.
