City
Epaper

US to deploy additional forces to Saudi Arabia

By IANS | Updated: October 12, 2019 07:25 IST

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper has authorised an additional deployment of US military forces to Saudi Arabia to enhance the defence of the country.

Open in App

The latest reinforcement includes two fighter squadrons, one Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), two Patriot batteries, and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system (THAAD), the Pentagon said in a statement on Friday, Xinhua reported.

The statement noted that the Pentagon chief on Friday had informed Saudi Crown Prince and Minister of Defence Mohammed bin Salman of the latest force deployment, which aims to assure and enhance the defence of Saudi Arabia.

The statement made no mention of the exact number of the troops of the deployment.

Citing senior defence officials, the US media reported the troops' number of the deployment authorised on Friday is around 1,800.

The Pentagon had increased the number of forces by approximately 14,000 to the US Central Command area of responsibility since May, according to the statement.

The tensions between the US and Iran have been escalated in recent months, pushing the region towards military conflicts.

Washington blamed Tehran for being responsible for the drone attacks on oil production facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia last month, a claim that has been strongly denied by Tehran.

In response, the US sent about 200 support personnel and missile defence equipment to Saudi Arabia, saying to "augment the kingdom's air and missile defence of critical military and civilian infrastructure".

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: usSaudi ArabiaPentagontehranSaudi Crown Prince
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalIran-Israel Conflict: Israel Attacks Iran's Sole Nuclear Power Plant in Bushehr; Tensions Escalate

MumbaiMumbai: Bomb Threat Call to US Consulate Traced to Mentally Unstable Youth Upset Over Visa Rejection

InternationalIsrael-Iran Conflict: US President Donald Trump Urges Iranians to Evacuate Tehran

InternationalOrganic Ground Beef Recalled Over E. Coli Fears in US - Is Yours Affected?

BusinessArab Dreams: The Twin-Powered Success, Helping Businesses Expand to Saudi Arabia

International Realted Stories

InternationalTrump says it's hard to ask Israel to stop Iran strikes

International"Not seeking the surrender of Ukraine, insist on recognition of realities": Putin at International Economic Forum

InternationalTaiwan reports Chinese military incursions around its territory

InternationalPrivileged to be part of this celebration: Indian diaspora in UK celebrates Yoga Day

International"Action was so swift that we cannot express our gratitude in words": Indian evacuee from Iran