Officials: US to send 1,500 troops to Middle East
U.S. officials say the Trump administration has notified Congress it plans to send 1,500 troops to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran.
•
May 24, 2019, 4:49 PM
•
Updated 2,042 days ago
Share:
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. officials say the Trump administration has notified Congress it plans to send 1,500 troops to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Officials said members of Congress were notified following a White House meeting Thursday to discuss Pentagon proposals to bolster the U.S. force presence in the Middle East.
The officials spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because the troop plans have not yet been formally announced.
Earlier this week, officials had said that Pentagon planners had outlined plans that could have sent up to 10,000 military reinforcements to the region. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan later said planners hadn't settled on a figure.
The U.S. began reinforcing its presence in the Persian Gulf region this month in response to what it said was a threat from Iran.
Officials said members of Congress were notified following a White House meeting Thursday to discuss Pentagon proposals to bolster the U.S. force presence in the Middle East.
The officials spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because the troop plans have not yet been formally announced.
Earlier this week, officials had said that Pentagon planners had outlined plans that could have sent up to 10,000 military reinforcements to the region. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan later said planners hadn't settled on a figure.
The U.S. began reinforcing its presence in the Persian Gulf region this month in response to what it said was a threat from Iran.
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
5/24/2019 11:50:41 AM (GMT -4:00)
More from News 12
0:19
Christmas Eve fire displaces 8 people and 10 dogs
2:21
Cold continues but a warm up is on the way!
0:48
Bridgeport's East End community helps families displaced by fire
2:13
Bridgeport's Trumbull Gardens gets $1.5 million to expand community & athletic centers
0:51
‘Charlotte’s Gift’: Westport community raises $30K for local cashier
0:43
