The Wall Street Journal reported on March 27 that the U.S. Department of Defense is considering sending an additional 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East.
With 5,000 Marines already ordered to deploy and roughly 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. ground forces assembling in the region could total as many as 17,000.
Analysts say the buildup is more likely intended as a pressure tactic—intended to prevent Iran from securing nuclear material, seize strategic footholds, or increase bargaining leverage—than as preparation for full-scale war.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said U.S. objectives can be met without ground troops, but that the troop increase is meant to leave the president with the broadest possible range of options.
#USA #Israel #Iran #War #MiddleEast #Gulf
Yonhap News TV — News tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23
Eun-rae Kang (rae@yna.co.kr)
