US sends additional troops to Middle East

WORLD, Sept. 23 (YPA) – The US is sending additional troops to the Middle East in response to a sharp spike in violence between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon that has raised the risk of a greater regional war, the Pentagon said Monday.

This comes in response to the escalating confrontation between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah.

Since early Monday, Israel has been conducting devastating airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in more than 270 martyrs, while Hezbollah has targeted Israeli military installations.

“In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region,” Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said.

He added that the Israelis “have sent us signals about their intention to conduct operations in Lebanon, but without providing details.”

“Given the tensions, given the escalation, as I highlighted, there is the potential for a wider regional conflict,” Ryder said.

@E.Y.M