The United States will deploy more bombers, fighter jets and warships to the Middle East in a bid to enhance its military posture as a carrier strike group prepares to depart, the Pentagon said on Friday.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadron and tanker aircraft, and several B-52 long-range strike bombers to the region. The Pentagon did not specify the number of troops that will be deployed as part of these changes. Ryder said in August that there are approximately 40,000 U.S. service members stationed in the region.
The United States has sought to boost its military presence in the region as Israel continued its ground offensive operation against Hamas in Gaza while also retaliating against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.