The U.S. military is sending thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, three U.S. officials confirmed on Friday.
The news comes after it was previously reported that the administration of President Donald Trump is considering deploying reinforcements to strengthen operations in the region, Reuters writes.
According to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, a combat group centered around the USS Boxer is being deployed, including a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and accompanying warships.
Statements by U.S. officials confirmed that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, along with about 2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been sent toward the Middle East from their home port of San Diego.
🚨🇺🇸⚡ Marine Forces Surge Toward Middle East
— WAR (@warsurv) March 19, 2026
A second U.S. amphibious strike group deploys as USS Boxer, USS Comstock, and USS Portland sail with 4,400+ Marines, signaling a major buildup in the Gulf.
Source: @sentdefender pic.twitter.com/NGDEPNkee1
One source stated that the forces are leaving the U.S. West Coast approximately three weeks ahead of the original plan. So far, it has not been explained what role these additional units will have.
As previously reported by the media, U.S. President Donald Trump is allegedly considering sending troops to secure Kharg Island, in a possible attempt to deprive Iran of oil revenue and force it to surrender. This operation, if it were to occur, would be extremely dangerous for the United States, as its troops would be highly exposed to attacks on the island, writes The Guardian.
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