Defense Secretary Issues Prepare-To-Deploy Orders for U.S. Troops to the Middle East

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin placed additional U.S. troops on prepare-to-deploy orders to the Middle East Sunday after speaking with President Joe Biden.

“I have placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required,” he said in a statement.

The number of forces put on prepare-to-deploy orders was not specified, but the Pentagon has previously confirmed the number was roughly 2,000. Some troops would come from the U.S. and some from within Europe or other areas of operation.

Austin said he has also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase protection for U.S. forces.

U.S. Destroyer Shoots Down Iran-Backed Houthi Missiles, Drones ‘Potentially’ Targeting Israel https://t.co/O2HFKqteXA via @BreitbartNews

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