The USS Tripoli and more than 2,200 Marines have arrived in the Middle Easta as the US forces surge into the region amid the ongoing war in Iran, according to a Fox report.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the arrival of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, which includes about 3,500 sailors and Marines along with aircraft and amphibious assault capabilities.
The deployment includes Marine Corps F-35B fighter jets and roughly 1,200 ground combat troops within the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to the report.
As the conflict enters its 2nd month, reports the Pentagon is weighing sending an additional 10,000 troops to the region.
The US is expected to a send A second amphibious group carrying roughly 2,500 Marines, also en route, while elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy, according to the report. In addition, a third aircraft carrier strike group is expected to arrive in the region, further expanding its military footprint as operations against Iran continue.
The Iranian air strikes continue- amid reports’ ballistic missiles were also intercepted in the region. An additional Twelve U.S. service members were wounded in an Iranian missile and drone attack at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia
The strike hit the military air base on Friday, damaging several U.S. refueling aircraft, officials said. Two of the wounded troops were reported to be in serious condition.