(AP) - The U.S. military is preparing to deploy around 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days, according to a person with knowledge of the move who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.
It’s the latest addition of American troops after U.S. officials said last week that thousands of Marines aboard several Navy ships would head to the region.
While the Marine units are trained in missions that include supporting U.S. embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief, the soldiers of the 82nd Airborne are trained to parachute into hostile or contested territory to secure key territory and airfields.
The troops are to be sent in the coming days, a person with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press.
The unit is considered the Army’s emergency response force and can typically be deployed on short notice. The force would include a battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team as well as Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, the division’s commander, and division staff, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.
It’s the latest addition of troops after U.S. officials said last week that thousands of Marines aboard several Navy ships would head to the region.
While the Marine units are trained in missions that include supporting U.S. embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief, the soldiers of the 82nd Airborne are trained to parachute into hostile or contested territory to secure key territory and airfields.
290 US troops have been wounded in the Iran war
Of the total wounded to date, 255 service members have returned to duty, said Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for U.S. Central Command.
That leaves 35 wounded and out of action, with 10 still considered seriously wounded, Hawkins said.
The total of 290 is an increase of 90 since the last update, provided March 16. Last week 20 service members were too injured to return to their posts.
Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed in combat in the war.