Washington - The Pentagon has announced the deployment of 300 troops to the U.S. Central Command with the primary objectives of deterring outside groups from escalating the Israel-Hamas conflict and protecting U.S. troops already stationed in the area from drone attacks by Iran-backed militia groups. These 300 troops are part of a larger group of 2,000 troops in the United States that have been on standby for rapid deployment since earlier in the month as part of the U.S. response to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

According to Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, these additional troops will provide various capabilities, including explosive ordnance disposal, communications support, and other enablers for the forces already present in the region. The specific location in the Middle East where these troops will be deployed was not disclosed, but it was confirmed that they would not be sent to Israel. Their intended purpose is to support regional deterrence efforts and enhance U.S. force protection capabilities.

The deployment of these troops is part of a broader increase in U.S. personnel in the region, including the presence of two carrier strike groups, an amphibious ready group with a Marine Expeditionary Unit, Air Force fighter squadrons, and Army air defense units.

Since October 17, there have been 27 drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, with 16 occurring in Iraq and 11 in Syria. Six of these attacks occurred after the U.S. conducted strikes on two facilities in Syria associated with Iran-backed militias. While most of the drones have been intercepted or have not hit their intended targets, there have been 21 reported U.S. service member injuries, primarily on October 17 and 18.