PNN – Several U.S. officials stated that the U.S. military is planning for the potential deployment of thousands of Marines to the Middle East in the coming weeks.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing The Washington Post, U.S. officials announced on Thursday that the military is planning a possible increase in its Marine presence in the Middle East over the next few weeks.
These officials claimed that the move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s consideration of resuming attacks against Iran following the midterm elections.
The aforementioned officials further stated that this planning aims to provide greater flexibility for the president and the commanders overseeing the war, and focuses on deploying up to three aircraft carriers—along with their escort ships—to the region in November.
These officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to outline U.S. military movements, added that the aircraft carrier strike groups would collectively comprise nearly 20,000 troops, up to 150 fighter jets, and a large number of destroyers capable of launching missiles and countering missile attacks.
U.S. officials had previously stated that approximately 50,000 American troops are deployed in the Middle East.