U.S. officials told Fox News on Friday that US President Donald Trump has finally approved the Pentagon’s plan to employ about 1,600 troops to the Middle East as tensions are rising with Iran.
Less than 1,000 new troops are deploying, but about 600 soldiers who are already deployed will be extended. The 600 are part of a Patriot missile battalion presently deployed in the region.
“We’re going to be sending a relatively small number of troops,” the president told reporters outside the White House on Friday. “Mostly protective. Some very talented people are going to the Middle East right now. And we’ll see what happens.”
The current plan is projected to strengthen security for existing American and allied forces in the region and deter attacks from Iran, officials say. Any additional destroyers or submarines sent to the region would be equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, they said.
“We do not see these forces as provocative,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katie Wheelbarger.
The soldiers are not going to Iraq or Syria, however, to existing bases. The Pentagon will not disclose the exact locations.
Pentagon officials also reported earlier today that the nouveau forces deployed to the region are a response to Iran’s aggressive behaviour, not to provoke them.
No large military units, such as United States Army brigade combat teams, are expected to deploy. However, senior military leaders want to deploy an extra Patriot anti-aircraft missile battery, a defensive weapon system. They also want to deploy another warship or submarine to the region, more surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and potentially more Air Force fighter jets.