US deploying more Marines to MidEast

AFP | Washington

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The United States is deploying additional Marines to the Middle East, US media reported yesterday, possibly signaling a coming ground operation three weeks into the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

The reports came as Axios said President Donald Trump’s administration is mulling seizing Iran’s strategic Kharg Island to pressure the Islamic republic to reopen the Strait of Hormuz -- a mission that could fall to US Marines.

The Wall Street Journal said Washington is deploying between 2,200 and 2,500 Marines from the California-based USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

CNN meanwhile said thousands of Marines and sailors were expected to deploy to the Middle East.

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