US to send 1,000 more troops to the Middle East

Orlando: US Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan authorised the deployment an additional 1,000 troops to the Middle East "for defensive purposes to address air, naval and ground-based threats."

In a statement, Shanahan said the decision was made "in response to a request from the US Central Command for additional forces, and with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and in consultation with the White House."

The Department of State earlier announced that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would visit US Central Command and the US Special operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay, Florida on Tuesday.

During the visit, the secretary is set "to discuss regional security concerns and ongoing operations" with Gen Kenneth McKenzie, Commander of Central Command and Gen Richard Clarke, Commander of Special Operations Command.