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America’s USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is being deployed to the Middle East, as Australia raises its national terrorism threat level following an escalation of conflict in the region.
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The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation raised Australia’s national terrorism threat level from possible to probable while the US Secretary of Defense has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, currently on deployment in the Central Command area of responsibility.
“The Department of Defense continues to take steps to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Iran’s partners and proxies,” a statement from Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated, speaking about force posture in the Middle East.
“To that end, Secretary Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies.
“Additionally, Secretary Austin has ordered additional ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers to the US European Command and US Central Command regions. The Department is also taking steps to increase our readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defence.
“The Secretary has also ordered the deployment of an additional fighter squadron to the Middle East, reinforcing our defensive air support capability.
“The United States’ global defence is dynamic and the Department of Defense retains the capability to deploy on short notice to meet evolving national security threats. The United States also remains intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal to bring the hostages home and end the war in Gaza.”
Earlier this week, ASIO Director-General of Security, Mike Burgess AM, confirmed Australia’s national terrorism threat level had been raised.
“Australia’s security environment is degrading. It is more volatile and more unpredictable,” Director-General Burgess said.
“Politically motivated violence now joins espionage and foreign interference as our principal security concerns.
“Politically motivated violence encompasses terrorism but is broader than that. It covers any violent act or violent threat intended or likely to achieve a political objective. This includes violent protest, riot or an attack on a politician or our democratic institutions.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing spikes in political polarisation and intolerance, uncivil debate and unpeaceful protest.
“Anti-authority beliefs are growing; trust in institutions is eroding; provocative and inflammatory behaviours are being normalised.
“Individuals are embracing anti-authority ideologies, conspiracy theories and diverse grievances. Some are combining multiple beliefs to create new hybrid ideologies.
“As polarisation, frustration, and perceived injustices grow, ASIO anticipates an increase in politically motivated violence – including terrorism – across all ideological spectrums. Attacks are likely to occur with little to no warning and will be difficult to detect.
“An escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly in southern Lebanon, would inflict further strain, aggravating tensions and potentially fuelling radicalisation.
“After careful consideration and consultation, ASIO is raising Australia’s national terrorism threat level from possible to probable.
“Our decision reflects the degrading security environment. A threat level of probable means we assess there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next 12 months.
“It does not mean that we have intelligence about current attack planning or an expectation of an imminent attack.
“Our decision is not a direct response to the tragic events in the Middle East.
“At this stage, we do not believe any of the terrorist plots we have investigated in the last year have been directly inspired by Gaza.
“Terrorist leaders are not inspiring attacks onshore.
“The threats I am describing are significant but not insurmountable. Probable does not mean inevitable. Australians should be aware, but not afraid.”
