The Defense Department reportedly said Tuesday that as the U.S. military continues airstrikes against Houthi insurgents in Yemen and increases pressure on Iran, the Pentagon is significantly growing its forces in the Middle East.
In recent days, President Trump has threatened to strike Iran if Tehran does not agree to halt its nuclear program.
However, according to two officials, the purpose of the extra Marines is to dissuade Iran and support the American effort in Yemen.
According to the officials, the deployments are not in anticipation of an impending Iranian invasion.
According to U.S. sources familiar with the plans, the buildup includes F-35 combat fighters, which are joining B-2 bombers and Predator drones in the area.
The United States will soon have two carrier strike groups in the region: the USS Carl Vinson, typically deployed to Asia, is slated to arrive within two weeks, and the USS Harry S. Truman, which has been patrolling in the Middle East since last October.
The strike groups include other cruisers and destroyers that carry cruise missiles in addition to the carriers.
According to the officials, the United States has also deployed Patriot antimissile batteries to protect American air bases and allies in the area.
Targeting the group’s leaders and military assets, the Trump administration began an air campaign against the Houthis on March 15 and has been carrying out daily strikes in San’a, the capital of Yemen, and other sites.
Amid continued U.S. bombings in Yemen, the Houthis claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone on Tuesday.
Although they were aware of the claim, the Pentagon chose not to respond. The Houthis fired missiles at Israel earlier this week, but they were intercepted.
The White House has threatened to hold Tehran responsible if the Houthis fire at American soldiers, and it has threatened to strike Iran if it does not reach a nuclear deal.
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