WASHINGTON, USA: The recent U.S. deployment of troops to the Middle East is seen as a precautionary measure amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. According to U.S. officials, the move is aimed at preparing for potential scenarios, including a possible evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon. While Washington has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon, no official evacuation orders have been issued.
The U.S. forces are being deployed to Cyprus, joining British troops who are also positioned there for similar evacuation readiness. The Pentagon has not specified the number of troops or their exact mission, but reports suggest the forces number in the dozens.
As Israeli airstrikes continue targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure, the threat of a ground invasion by Israeli forces into southern Lebanon looms. This military escalation has led hundreds of thousands of people to flee the border region.
President Biden’s administration is working to prevent the conflict from spreading beyond Gaza, calling for diplomacy to resolve the Israel-Lebanon crisis. However, concerns are growing over the potential involvement of Iran if Hezbollah’s survival is at stake, which could further complicate the situation for U.S. troops deployed in the region.
