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Pentagon to beef up forces in Saudi Arabia, UAE

2019-09-21 09:59:15       source:POLITICO

September 20, 2019


The U.S. military is dispatching an undetermined number of additional forces to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to beef up air and missile defenses after blaming Iran for recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities, Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at the Pentagon Friday.


"To prevent further escalation Saudi Arabia requested international support to help protect the kingdom's critical infrastructure," Esper said. "The United Arab Emirates has also requested assistance. In response to the kingdom's request, the president has approved the deployment of U.S. forces, which will be defensive in nature, and primarily focused on air and missile defense.


"We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance their ability to defend themselves," he added.


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https://www.politico.com/story/2019/09/20/pentagon-saudi-arabia-1506985