Washington, United States – The US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the preparation of approximately 2,000 additional U.S. troops for possible deployment to the Middle East in support of Israel, amid escalating tensions in the region, New York Times reported.
These troops, currently stationed in the United States and Europe, may not serve in combat roles but would offer advice and medical support to Israeli forces, according to Pentagon officials.
The decision comes as Israeli forces gear up for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. The Pentagon, led by Defense Department spokeswoman Sabrina Singh, stated that the move aims to bolster air defense, security, logistics, medical, and intelligence capabilities.
While the final decision on deployment has not been made, increasing the troops’ readiness enhances the Pentagon’s ability to respond swiftly to the evolving security situation in the Middle East, the report said.
A US Marines rapid response force, comprising approximately 2,000 Marines and sailors, is en route to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, as confirmed by a US official. Defense Secretary Austin has also extended the deployment of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships, currently positioned in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Originally scheduled to return home next month after a six-month deployment, these ships will remain in the region. Another carrier, the Dwight D. Eisenhower, is set to arrive in the area in the coming days, reinforcing the US military presence in the Middle East during this period of heightened tension.