WASHINGTON: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed increased military presence in the Middle East with defensive air-support capabilities and heightened readiness status for other forces, he Pentagon said on Sunday. ''The Secretary has also increased the readiness of additional U.S. forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies. And Department o Defence maintains robust and integrated air-defense capabilities across the Middle East, ensuring the protection of U.S. forces operating in the region,' the statement added. Source: Emirates News Agency