US Deploys 900 Troops to Middle East amid Rising Tensions
The strategic positioning of the United States in the Middle East has been strengthened in the face of a possible escalation of the conflict.
Pentagon is to deploy 900 troops following tensions in the Middle East and targeting of U.S. troops in Iraq nd Syria. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n response to increasing tensions in the Middle East, the Pentagon announced on Thursday, October 26, 2023, the deployment of approximately 900 troops to the region. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the move, emphasizing the U.S.’s “commitment to support regional deterrence efforts and bolster force protection capabilities.”
These troops, which were part of an earlier prepare-to-deploy announcement, will be deploying from the continental United States. The units include a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery from Fort Bliss, Texas, Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Liberty, North Carolina, as well as associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. Contrary to some speculations, these reinforcements will not be heading to Israel.
The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of an escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has intensified since October 7. Amidst these tensions, the U.S. has also revealed plans to provide two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel, aiming to enhance their air defense capabilities against rocket attacks.
A widening conflict?
The U.S.’s strategic positioning in the Middle East has been reinforced in light of a potential widening conflict. The move seeks to deter both state and non-state actors perceived as antagonistic towards Israel. Intelligence reports suggest that Iranian-backed groups might escalate attacks against U.S. forces, leveraging regional resentment against U.S. support for Israel.
Between October 17 and 26, U.S. and coalition forces faced attacks multiple times in both Iraq and Syria. A total of 21 U.S. forces suffered minor injuries, with the majority diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.
On the global stage, the Pentagon remains focused on supporting Israel and ensuring force protection for U.S. forces in the Middle East. Concurrently, the U.S. is also directing efforts towards Ukraine, with a recent pledge of a $150 million military aid package to address urgent security challenges posed by Russia.
Increasing U.S. concern
U.S. officials are increasingly apprehensive about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalating to encompass the broader region. It’s worth noting that Iran openly supports both Hamas, currently governing Gaza, and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The latter has had multiple skirmishes with Israel along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking at the United Nations on Thursday, sent a stern warning regarding the U.S.’s potential involvement should Israel’s actions in Gaza persist.
“I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome [an] expansion of the war in the region,” Amir-Abdollahian remarked, “But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire.”
Source: Pentagon, Anadolu, CNN and Aljazeera
