U.S will deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East after Soleimani strike

The United States is reportedly set to deploy thousands of additional troops to the Middle East after President Trump authorized a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

About 3,000 more Army troops will be deployed to the Middle East, The Associated Press reports, citing American defense officials. CNN also reports that thousands of troops will be deployed from the Immediate Response Force of the 82nd Airborne Division, which was previously on prepare-to-deploy orders. NBC News' Courtney Kube and The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, are reporting the number of troops that will be deployed is about 3,500.

This comes after Trump ordered a strike that killed Soleimani in a major escalation of tensions with Iran that has drawn condemnation from Democrats. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday, "we cannot put the lives of American servicemembers, diplomats and others further at risk by engaging in provocative and disproportionate actions."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said the strike was necessary to disrupt an "imminent attack" in the region, although The New York Times reports, citing a Defense Department official, that there "was nothing new in the threat presented by the Iranian general."

In response to Friday's news, CBS News' Kathryn Watson observed, "Trump campaigned on staying out of endless wars in the Middle East. He blasted his predecessors for sending U.S. troops there. And here we are."