WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Friday (Sep 20) approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia’s air defences after the largest attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities, which Washington has squarely blamed on Iran. The Pentagon said the deployment would involve a moderate number of troops – not numbering thousands – and would be primarily defensive in nature. Reuters has previously reported that the Pentagon was considering sending anti-missile batteries, drones and more fighter jets. The United States is also considering keeping an aircraft carrier in the region indefinitely. “In response to the kingdom’s request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defence,” US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at a news briefing. “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.” Esper added the United Arab Emirates, a close ally that hosts US forces, had also requested assistance. READ: What Saudi oil attacks mean for pump prices in Singapore The Pentagon’s late Friday announcement appeared to close the door to any imminent decision to wage retaliatory strikes… Read full this story
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