Announced by Mark Esper, this deployment responds to a request from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, faced with "a dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression".
As Hussein rebels in Yemen plan to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon will send reinforcements to the Gulf region. Its leader Mark Esper announced Friday, September 20, the strengthening of the defense troops at the request of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Emirates.
Recalling the destruction of a US drone by Iranian forces in June after Iran seized a British oil tanker, the US Defense Minister said the Sept. 14 attack on two oil installations in Saudi Arabia "Represents a dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression".
"To prevent further escalation, Saudi Arabia has requested international assistance to protect the kingdom's critical infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates also requested assistance "continued Esper. "In response to requests from the kingdoms, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive by nature, and primarily focused on the air force and missile defense. "
The exact number of troops and the type of equipment sent in reinforcements have not yet been decided, but it will be a deployment 'Moderate', which will not be counted in thousands, said the US Chief of Staff, General Joe Dunford during this press conference at the Pentagon.
