The United States deployed approximately 40,000 troops to the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The troops are part of a larger military buildup in the region, which includes the deployment of warships and advanced fighter jets.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements, said the additional resources have helped the U.S. patrol various conflict areas. The moves include operations targeting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
The U.S. is also defending Israel and countering threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and launched ballistic missiles at Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a “new phase” of the war, shifting focus to the northern front against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict began nearly a year ago, with Israel fighting against Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The U.S. military maintained an increased presence in the Middle East for much of the past year, with a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons spread across the region. This presence is designed to protect allies and serve as a deterrent against attacks.
Despite the escalating violence, the U.S. has not signaled a troop increase or change in response to the latest attacks. However, the U.S. has already beefed up its force in the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several destroyers were moved to operate in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea.
The U.S. military presence in the region also includes F-22 fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft, F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16 fighter jets.
