US sends additional troops to Middle East

Photo: Patrick Ryder

The United States is sending additional troops to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Pentagon said on Monday, September 23.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional troops… to bolster our forces already in the region," – Defense Department spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters, Reuters reports.

The agency recalls that after almost a year of war in Gaza, Israel is intensifying military operations against Hezbollah, whose formations are firing rockets at Israeli territory, providing support to Hamas forces.

On Monday, September 23, the Israeli military carried out strikes against Hezbollah in the Bekaa Valley and near the border with Syria. The strike, which the Israeli army carried out on Monday evening in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, targeted Ali Karaki, a senior Hezbollah official, a security source told Reuters.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

The Biden administration is seeking to prevent an escalation of the conflict in Gaza; the White House has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the border crisis between Israel and Lebanon.

This position was emphasized by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin during telephone talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Experts wonder whether Iran will stand aside if Hezbollah faces a serious threat, and analysts also note that if a regional war breaks out, U.S. troops across the Middle East could also be targeted.

“The secretary made clear that the United States remains committed to protecting American troops and personnel and is committed to deterring any regional actors from exploiting the situation or escalating the conflict,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

“We have greater capabilities in the region today than we did on April 14, when Iran launched… drone and missile strikes on Israel,” — General Ryder stated.

BAGNET recalls that on April 14, Iran attacked Israel using over 300 missiles and UAVs. Only minor damage was caused, thanks to interceptions by air defenses from the United States, Great Britain and several other countries. The strike on April 14 was the first direct attack by Iran on Israel in history.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga