Brussels: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans for Washington to adjust the structure of its global military forces to enhance protection of its southern border and strengthen deterrence capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hegseth made these remarks to reporters during a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels. He emphasized the need for the United States to continuously review its force deployment strategy. Hegseth criticized the previous administration for allowing an estimated 20 million people to cross into the US illegally, underscoring the importance of achieving complete control over the southern border.

Hegseth further highlighted the necessity of focusing on the Indo-Pacific region to ensure effective deterrence. He also mentioned the importance of distributing defense spending globally, noting that the United States cannot simultaneously protect every region and is not obligated to do so.