The Pentagon announced Monday that additional U.S. troops will be deployed to the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise. With clashes intensifying in Lebanon, the risk of a larger regional conflict has grown, prompting the U.S. to bolster its military presence, as reported by the New York Post.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the move but provided no specifics on the number of troops or their assignments, citing operational security.

“In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region. But for operational security reasons, I’m not going to comment on or provide specifics,” Ryder stated.

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Currently, about 40,000 U.S. troops are stationed in the region.

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This move comes on the heels of intensified Israeli strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, which have reportedly resulted in hundreds of casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Lebanese civilians, urging them to evacuate ahead of planned Israeli airstrikes. As Israeli warplanes continue targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, the situation grows more precarious.

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The U.S. State Department has also issued a warning, advising American citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flights remain available.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” read a statement from the department.

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Despite the urgency, Maj. Gen. Ryder refrained from confirming whether U.S. troops might assist in evacuating American citizens. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been in regular contact with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging for a cease-fire and a de-escalation of tensions. According to Ryder, Austin emphasized the need for restraint during these talks.

“Given the tensions, given the escalation, as I highlighted, there is the potential for a wider regional conflict. I don’t think we’re there yet, but it’s a dangerous situation,” Ryder warned.

The situation remains fluid, and the deployment of additional U.S. forces signals Washington’s concern about the potential for the conflict to spiral out of control.

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