Pentagon sending thousands of more troops to the Middle East as Israel begins ground invasion of Lebanon 

The Pentagon Sending Additional Troops to the Middle East

The Pentagon announced on Monday that the US is deploying thousands more troops to the Middle East as Israel conducts “ground raids” into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah terrorists.

The additional forces will increase the total number of US troops stationed in bases across Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern countries to approximately 43,000.

While the exact number of troops being deployed was not disclosed, one official mentioned that up to 3,000 service members could be sent to the region.

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the troop increase is aimed at enhancing the defense posture of US forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional conflict.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has also ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to remain in the region, along with additional defensive air support capabilities like F-16, F-15e, A-10, and F-22 fighter jets.

Israel Initiates Ground Raids into Lebanon

The announcement by the Pentagon came before the Israeli Defense Force confirmed that it had started a ground incursion into Lebanon. The IDF stated that the raids were targeted at Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, posing a threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Israel’s operations aim to stop the daily rocket and missile attacks on northern Israeli towns and villages by Hezbollah, allowing displaced residents to return home.