More U.S. Troops Deploy

They are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on 300 more U.S. troops deploying to the region of Central Command, which includes the Middle East and part of Africa.

Why It Matters: U.S. positions continue to come under attack in the Middle East by groups supported by Iran. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed a total of “27 attacks, 16 in Iraq, 11 in Syria” including 6 attacks since the United States targeted positions in Syria. The recent attacks resulted in “no injuries, no damage to infrastructure.”

Brig. Gen. Ryder said, “Today, I can announce the decision to deploy an additional 300 troops to the U.S. Central Command region from home stations in the continental United States. These additional troops will provide capabilities and explosive ordnance disposal, communications and other support enablers for forces already in the region. Please note that we will not discuss specific deployment locations for these forces, but I can confirm they are not going to Israel and that they are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.”