Tensions remain in Europe due to the ongoing conflict between Russia, NATO, and Ukraine, with the US leading the efforts in warning Moscow against making any invasion. US President Joe Biden has formally approved the deployment of US troops to eastern Europe in the midst of fears.
Officials told CNN that Biden has officially approved the deployment of US troops to the region. The Pentagon is set to announce that additional thousands more troops would be dispatched to areas in Europe. Around 2,000 US troops would be stationed in Poland and a few thousand more to southeastern NATO countries, including Romania. The deployment may take place in the coming days.
Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops to its borders with Ukraine, including Belarus. Washington has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may order an invasion soon. While Moscow has denied planning any sort of invasion on Ukraine, the troop buildup remains, leading to fears that an incursion may happen.
Washington has repeatedly warned that Russia would face severe sanctions should an invasion happen, possibly targeting Russian oligarchs who have assets overseas. Moscow has turned in a list of guarantees it wants NATO and the US to agree on, including barring Ukraine from joining the alliance. Talks between US and Russian officials have also been unsuccessful as no breakthrough occurred.
In other related news, Biden announced that the overnight US raid in Syria has taken out Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. Women and children were also among the fatalities included in the raid that occurred. Biden confirmed al-Qurayshi’s death Thursday, praising the operation, and said that al-Qurayshi was responsible for the civilian deaths.
Qurayshi, according to Biden, blew himself up, including members of his family, calling the move an “act of cowardice.” ISIL has yet to confirm al-Qurayshi’s death.
“He chose to blow himself up – not just with a vest, but to blow up that third floor – rather than face justice for the crimes he has committed, taking several members of his family with him,” said Biden.
“I am determined to protect the American people from terrorist threats, and I’ll take decisive action to protect this country,” said the US leader.