Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Washington DC, July 18: The United States President Donald Trump administration is reinforcing its much controversial military ties with Saudi Arabia by preparing to deploy hundreds of American troops to the nation amid rising Iran tensions.

According to CNN news reports, at least five hundred troops are likely to be sent to the Prince Sultan Air Base, resides in a deserted eastern region of Riyadh, the Saudi capital, as per the reports of two US defence officials.

A small number of military personnel and troops are initially prepared on-site, being made for a Patriot missile defense battery as well as runway and airfield improvements, the officials reported.

Washington has been long seeking to station its troops due to the security assessments that have shown Iran’s missiles would struggle to target the remote region.

The development comes as the US and Saudi Arabia ties remain “extremely” sensitive amid anger of bipartisan congressional over the handling process of the Trump administration in the murder case of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Khashoggi was killed in Saudi consulate of Istanbul last month on October 2, after which a CIA assessment showed the Kingdom’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, also famous as MbS, has ordered the killing of the journalist, critical of MbS.

But, the Trump administration has said it was committed to making efforts to assist protect Riyadh against Iranian tensions.

Earlier, Trump has announced administration was sending some 1,000 American troops to the Middle East in the midst of rising tensions with Iran but, did not specify which nation will he deploy forces to. However, it was made public today the deployment would take place in Saudi Arabia firstly.

 

Also read: US plans to deploy additional troops to Middle East amidst oil tankers attacks

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