Canberra, March 5 (SANA) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Thursday the deployment of military capabilities to the Middle East as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions.
Albanese told parliament that the government had sent six teams to the region in response to the situation, Agence France-Presse reported.
“We have already deployed military capabilities as part of our precautionary plans earlier this week. I thank the Australians who are heading into a dangerous situation to help their fellow citizens,” Albanese said. Australia says it has about 115,000 citizens in the region.
Albanese did not provide additional details about the nature of these “capabilities,” but local broadcaster SBS News reported they include aircraft.
New Zealand also ordered the deployment of two military aircraft to the Middle East Thursday to prepare for the evacuation of its citizens.
Evacuation operations for foreign nationals have accelerated since the outbreak of the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran last Saturday. The conflict has triggered a broader military escalation, leading to the closure of airspace in several countries and disruptions at airports across the region.
The exchange of strikes and rising security risks have disrupted civilian air traffic, prompting several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, to deploy military assets to support evacuation operations and ensure the safety of their citizens.
N.J
