The US Department of Defence (Pentagon) announced yesterday (Monday) that the US will send ‘a few thousand’ troops to the Middle East to bolster Israel’s security and defence if needed.

The announcement follows Israel’s limited cross-border incursion into Lebanon. The additional troops will bring the total number of troops in the region to 43,000.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that the increased presence will include several squadrons of fighter and attack aircraft.

The additional forces will include squadrons of F-15E, F-16, F-22 and A-10 attack aircraft and the personnel needed to support them.