An estimated 2,000 U.S. troops have been selected to prepare for deployment, if needed, amid the Israel-Palestine war.
According to The Wall Street Journal, these troops are to provide medical and advisory aid, not combat at this time.
These forces are already stationed in the Middle East and Europe, and it is unclear if and when they will be deployed.
This comes after U.S. Central Command posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, announcing the arrival of the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft to “to bolster the U.S. posture and enhance air operations throughout the Middle East.”
The 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to bolster the U.S. posture and enhance air operations throughout the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/csgw2kyQKI
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 13, 2023
In addition, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III released a statement Saturday declaring the posturing of four naval ships and multiple aircraft around the Middle East.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is being sent into the Eastern Mediterranean, along with the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87).
These will team up with the already stationed USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt.
Furthermore, the Carrier Air Wing 3, with nine aircraft squadrons, and embarked headquarters staff are also being moved into the area, which are following the F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft that were sent in early last week.
On Monday, U.S. Central Command also noted that Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command, arrived in Israel for “high level meetings” with the Israeli military defense.
The White House also announced Monday that President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to Israel and Jordan Wednesday night to discuss civilian humanitarian needs in the area.