The U.S. is “concerned" that fighting between Israel and Hamas, in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack, could spill over into a broader conflict throughout the Middle East that would imperil American military forces, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday, writes ABC NEWS.

“We’re concerned about potential escalation. In fact, what we’re seeing is the prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region”, - Austin told ABC “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl. “And because of that, we’re going to do what’s necessary to make sure that our troops are in the right position, they’re protected and that we have the ability to respond”.

Pentagon officials had said it was unclear whether a U.S. vessel or Israel was the intended target but Austin, on “This Week”, indicated the weapons were targeted toward the U.S.

“When you have cruise missiles heading towards one of our DDGs, one of our destroyers, that vessel is going to do what it needs to do to protect itself… America’s deployment of additional assets is another message to “those who would seek to widen this conflict”.

“If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don’t. We maintain the right to defend ourselves, and we won’t hesitate to take the appropriate action. The U.S. will continue to give Israel the military resources it needs while advising them to follow the laws of war and take steps to protect civilians in Gaza”, - Austin said.