Thousands of soldiers from the US Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, Reuters reports, citing sources.
The move comes as President Donald Trump considers possible further steps toward Iran.
On March 18, Reuters reported that the Trump administration was considering sending thousands more troops to the Middle East.
The airborne troops, based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, join the already-deployed contingent of sailors, marines, and special forces deployed to the region. About 2,500 marines were deployed to the Middle East over the weekend.
The sources did not specify which countries or regions the soldiers would be sent to, but they said the move was expected.
The additional forces include headquarters units of the 82nd Airborne Division, logistics units, other support units, and one brigade combat group.
A final decision to send troops into Iranian territory has not yet been made. Still, according to one source, these forces could enhance the capabilities of future operations in the region.
