WASHINGTON — The United States is sending “thousands” of troops to the Middle East to strengthen security and protect Israel if necessary, the Pentagon announced Monday. The announcement follows information that Israel has already launched limited raids across the border into Lebanon.
The additional troops will bring the total number of troops in the region to up to 43,000.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that the increased presence would involve multiple fighter and attack aircraft squadrons. U.S. officials said that total also included a small number of other troops that were increasing their presence.
This follows the recent attacks in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, this time with a significant escalation in fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Hezbollah.
Additional deployments include squadrons of F-15E, F-16, and F-22 fighter jets and A-10 attack aircraft and the personnel needed to support them. The jets were to rotate and replace the squadrons that were already there. Instead, both existing squadrons and new squadrons will remain in place, doubling the airpower on hand.
On Sunday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced a temporary extension of the deployment of the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and its payload air wing in the region. U.S. officials said the extension would last about a month. A second aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, left Virginia last week and is headed to Europe. Heading to the Mediterranean Sea, she will once again have a broader presence with two aircraft carriers. It is not expected to arrive for at least another week.
“I know more than you know,” President Biden said at the White House on Monday, responding to reports that Israel is planning a limited ground invasion of Lebanon after nearly a year of fighting with Hezbollah militants. He said he wanted it to stop. Light the fire immediately. Asked about the report, Biden said, “I know more than you think, and I’m comfortable shutting down the report.” There should be a ceasefire now. ”
Kopp and Baldor contributed to The Associated Press. Zeke Miller contributed from Washington.
