WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has announced that the Defense Department is deploying 300 troops to U.S. Central Command to counter any outside groups from escalating the Israel-Hamas war and to protect U.S. troops already stationed in the area against the drone attacks from militia groups.
According to Western media reports on Tuesday the 300 troops, are part of a group of 2,000 troops who have been on 24-hour prepare-to-deploy orders since earlier this month. The military personnel were put on notice as part of the U.S. response to the evolving situation after October 7.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a briefing said the additional troops will provide capabilities and explosive ordnance disposal, communications and other support for forces already present in the region.
Troops not going to Israel
Ryder declined to comment about the exact location of the troops in the Middle East. However, he said the troops will not be going to Israel and that they are intended to assist regional deterrence efforts and further enhance U.S. force protection capabilities.
The troops are part of thousands of U.S. personnel in the area, including two carrier strike groups, an amphibious ready group with Marine Expeditionary Unit, Air Force fighter squadrons and Army air defense units.
