Pentagon Deploys Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East, CNN Reports

Washington, March 13 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The U.S. Department of Defense is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East, a rapid response force typically made up of about 2,500 U.S. Marines and sailors, three officials familiar with the matter told CNN.

It was not immediately clear where the unit would be deployed or what mission it may carry out.

Marine Expeditionary Units are commonly used for rapid response operations including evacuations, amphibious missions and other contingency operations requiring ship-to-shore deployment.

The units include ground and aviation combat elements and can provide commanders with additional operational options during crises.

Officials from the administration of Donald Trump have said there are currently no plans to deploy ground troops in the country but have not ruled out the possibility.

The deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.