Of course. This is actually explained in the article,

Omar said the move suggests a reallocation of priorities, particularly as Washington addresses security threats in the Indo-Pacific, where China and Russia have been expanding their influence through major naval exercises.
“It is important to interpret this as part of a broader recalibration of military resources, rather than a reduction in U.S. engagement,” Omar said.

So they’re not leaving the Middle East, just popping out as something more urgent came up in Asia-Pacific, but they or a suitable replacement will be back.