Trump sends elite forces to Middle East as 1,000+ troops mobilized
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to deploy over 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, reports Sky News.
According to media reports, the deployment involves more than 1,000 American paratroopers intended to reinforce the US military presence in the region amid escalating tensions.
The contingent is expected to consist of troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division.
According to sources, orders for the military leadership have already been signed, and the Pentagon is currently preparing documents for specific units and planning the logistics of the deployment.
Previous reports about the possible deployment of a full brigade of more than 3,000 personnel have not yet been confirmed - for now, the focus is on headquarters elements and individual ground units totaling up to 1,500 troops.
The redeployment could begin in the coming days. The decision comes amid a large-scale increase in the US military presence in the Middle East due to the worsening security situation and tensions surrounding Iran.
What is known about the US 82nd Airborne Division
The 82nd Airborne Division is the backbone of the US rapid reaction forces. It is known as the division without borders because its soldiers can deploy to any point on the planet within hours.
The division was formed in 1917 and has since taken part in nearly every major conflict involving the US:
- World War II: The legendary Normandy landings (D-Day), Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge.
- Cold War and local conflicts: Operations in Vietnam, Grenada (1983), and Panama (1989).
- Modern era: Extensive involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne who secured the evacuation from Kabul airport in 2021.
Several Marine Corps units and amphibious groups had already been deployed to the region earlier. According to media reports, the deployment of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group was accelerated and redirected from the Indo-Pacific region to the Middle East.
Additionally, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is being deployed alongside the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group. Each such group consists of approximately 4,500 marines and sailors and possesses significant aviation and logistical capabilities.
The US has decided to shift from bombing Iran to negotiations, as Tehran has begun to say sensible things.
On March 23, the US leader indicated that a peace agreement with Iran could be reached within five days, or even sooner.
