Attacks in Saudi Arabia: US sends reinforcements

09/21/2019

09/21/2019

The United States announced Friday the dispatch of military reinforcements in the Persian Gulf region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have made the request after attacks on Saudi oil facilities attributed to Iran.

The exact number of troops and the type of equipment sent as reinforcements have not yet been decided, but it will be a "moderate" deployment, which will not be counted in thousands, said the head of state American Major General Joe Dunford during a press conference at the Pentagon.
Recalling the destruction of an American drone by Iranian forces in June after Iran seized a British oil tanker, US Defense Minister Mark Esper said the Sept. 14 attack on two oil rigs Saudi Arabia "represents a dramatic escalation of Iranian aggression".

Offer Houthis

"To prevent further escalation, Saudi Arabia has requested international assistance to protect the kingdom's critical infrastructure, and the United Arab Emirates has also requested assistance," said Esper.
"In response to requests from the kingdoms, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive by nature, and primarily focused on the air force and missile defense," he added.
Against all odds, Yemen's Houthi rebels, who claimed the September 14 attacks, announced Friday night they were ready for peace, stopping the attacks on Saudi Arabia.

ats, afp