Pentagon detains USS Harry S. Truman in the Persian Gulf

United States Defense Minister Lloyd Austin decided on Tuesday to detain an USS aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Harry S. TrumanWho was to launch a mission in the Persian Gulf. The AFP Agency writes that the Pentagon thus wants to "calm" European allies in the face of tensions with Russia.

"The Minister of Defence ordered the USS Strike Group Harry S. Truman stay in the European Command (Eucom) area instead of going, as previously planned, to the Central Command (Centcom) area, covering the Middle East," said AFP agency one of the Pentagon officials wishing to remain anonymous.

According to a French agent, this change of route "reflects the need for a permanent US presence in Europe". "It is necessary to confirm with our allies and partners our commitment to collective defense," said the Pentagon representative.

USS Harry Truman and his carrier strike group arrived at the Mediterranean Sea on 14 December from the Persian Gulf via the Suez Canal. He currently operates in the Ionian Sea between Greece and Italy.

Source: PAP