U.S. sends reinforcements to Middle East

The U.S. is deploying thousands of additional troops in preparation for attacks from Iranian forces or their proxies following the killing of Iran’s top military commander Qassem Soleimani


U.S. TROOPS IN REGION (approximate numbers)

Iraq 6,000
100 extra Marines reinforcing U.S. Embassy in Baghdad

Kuwait 13,000
Immediate Response Force brigade from 82nd Airborne Division – around 4,000 troops – being deployed

Turkey 2,500

Syria 800

Jordan 3,000

Saudi Arabia 3,000

Bahrain 7,000

Qatar 13,000

Oman 600

UAE 5,000

Afghanistan 14,000

Djibouti 4,000

Somalia 500

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group: Some 4,500 sailors and Marines ordered to head to Middle East, bypassing planned training exercise with U.S. Africa Command

Around 100 Rangers from 75th Regiment, and 100 paratroopers from 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Italy, also deployed for rapid response in case of attack

Baghdad
Tehran 
IRAN
Pakistan
Yemen

300km 185 miles


USS Bataan: Lead ship of Bataan Amphibious Ready Group\


Troop numbers vary depending on presence of aircraft carrier strike group, currently USS Harry S. Truman. Truman will be replaced or supported by USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in February or March


Sources: CRS, DMDC, New York Times, Washington Post, Stars and Stripes 
Picture: Getty Images
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