US to deploy approximately 100 troops to manage anti-missile system in Israel amid ongoing conflict
On Sunday, the United States announced that it will send an advanced anti-missile system to Israel along with U.S. troops to operate it, as part of efforts to enhance the country’s air defense capabilities following missile strikes from Iran.
President Joe Biden stated that this system is being sent “to protect Israel.” Reports indicate that approximately 100 troops will be sent as part of this initiative.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, the deployment includes a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, which will strengthen Israel’s integrated air defense systems.
Ryder added, “This is part of the broader adjustments made by the U.S. military in recent months to assist with Israel’s defense and safeguard Americans from threats posed by Iran and Iranian-aligned groups.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi cautioned on Sunday that U.S. troops were being placed in danger through the deployment of missile systems in Israel.
“Despite our significant efforts in recent days to prevent a full-scale war in our region, I want to make it clear that we will defend our people and interests without any hesitation,” Araqchi expressed on X.
Earlier in April, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel. On October 1, over 180 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel, coinciding with heightened tensions between Israel and Iranian-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. Many of these missiles were intercepted, although some did breach the missile defense systems.
