Pentagon asks Saudi Arabia $1 billion to send more US forces to kingdom

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (YPA) – The U.S. Department of Defense has commented on President Donald Trump’s statements that Saudi Arabia has paid $ one billion in exchange for the deployment of additional US troops to the kingdom.

“Negotiations are underway between Washington and Riyadh on how to help and pay the costs of US forces staying there, “Rebecca Rebarich, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said in a statement received by CNN on Tuesday.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has agreed to contribute the costs of these activities (US forces stay), and talks are under way to formalize these contributions,” the Rebarich added.

She explained that such contributions do not lead to the sending of new American forces, nor do they prompt the Department of Defense to assume new tasks or responsibilities.

The spokeswoman declined to comment on bilateral defense agreements, noting at the same time that the United States more broadly encourages the sharing of burdens between partners in support of common security interests, including the defense of the Gulf region.

YPA