US sending thousands more troops to Middle East

The United States is sending thousands of additional troops and warships to the Middle East as it ramps up military preparations against Iran. The deployment will be led by the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship departing from California, accompanied by the USS Portland and USS Comstock transport docks.

About 4,500 Marines and sailors will be involved, including the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit with roughly 2,200 Marines. The move comes despite President Donald Trump’s recent statement that he would not send more forces to the region, NewsMax reports.

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, which includes advanced aircraft and amphibious vehicles, is sailing ahead of schedule through the Indo-Pacific. Officials said sailors and Marines shortened their leave following completion of certification and training to accelerate the mission.

The USS Boxer will join the USS Tripoli, already en route to the region, along with the cruiser USS New Orleans. These forces, equipped with F-35 jets, Harrier aircraft, tilt-rotor Ospreys, and a range of helicopters, enhance the U.S. Navy’s capacity for both air and amphibious operations.

In total, six amphibious ships are expected to add 8,000 service members, including up to 5,000 Marines, to the Middle East. The buildup follows speculation that the U.S. could target Iranian islands vital to Tehran’s oil infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the USS Ford aircraft carrier has been temporarily withdrawn from the region for repairs after a fire in its laundry area, further complicating U.S. naval operations.

By Sabina Mammadli