US warplanes, ships and troops ready in the Middle East if the conflict expands
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.S. has kept an increased military presence in the Middle East throughout much of the past year, with about 40,000 forces, at least a dozen warships and four Air Force fighter jet squadrons spread across the region both to protect allies and to serve as a deterrent against attacks, several U.S. officials said. A military official said the additional resources have helped as the U.S. patrols various conflict areas, including operations targeting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, defending Israel and countering threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and launched ballistic missiles at Israel. Aircraft The Air Force sent in an additional squadron of advanced F-22 fighter jets last month, bringing the total number of land-based fighter squadrons in the Middle East to four. The addition of the F-22 fighter jets gives U.S. forces a hard-to-detect aircraft that has a sophisticated suite of sensors to suppress enemy air defenses and carry out electronic attacks.
History of this topic
US scrambles to shape post-Assad Syria but has to overcome years of disengagement
Live Mint
U.S. is sending more troops to the Middle East as violence rises between Israel and Hezbollah
LA Times
US sends ship-based Navy fighter jets to a base in the Middle East to help protect Israel
The Independent
US increases military deployment in Middle East as fear of war grows after Hamas leader's killing
New Indian ExpressUS to boost military presence in Mideast, sending fighter jet squadron and keeping carrier in region
Associated Press
US to boost military presence in Mideast, sending fighter jet squadron and keeping carrier there
The Independent
U.S. to boost military presence in Middle East, sending fighter jet squadron
LA TimesUS fighter jets strike Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops
Associated Press
US to send F-16 fighter jets to Gulf amid Iran shipping tensions
Al JazeeraUS sending F-16 fighter jets to protect ships from Iranian seizures in Gulf region
Associated Press
US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE after Houthi attacks
Associated Press
US Air Force to send dozens of F-22 fighter jets to the Pacific amid tensions with China
CNN
US cutting troops, air defense units deployed in Middle East
India Today
US expands troop, fighter jet presence at Saudi base
Associated PressDiscover Related
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