US Says Deploying More Forces to Saudi Arabia


US Says Deploying More Forces to Saudi Arabia

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Pentagon announced Friday it was bolstering US forces in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh asked for reinforcements following the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil plants which Washington blames on Iran.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defense batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops from September this year, AFP reported.

"It is clear that the Iranians are responsible for the recent attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities," he claimed.

"Despite Iran's attempts to deny their involvement, the evidence recovered so far proves that Tehran is responsible for these attacks."

The September 14 attacks knocked out two major processing facilities of state oil giant Aramco in Khurais and Abqaiq, roughly halving Saudi Arabia's oil production.

Tensions have elevated between Iran and Saudi Arabia since the retaliatory attacks by Houthis on Saudi oil facilities. Saudi Arabia and the US pinned the blame for the Yemeni raids on Tehran. Iran denies any involvement in the attacks.

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