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Reuters
RIYADH
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman approved hosting US forces in the country to boost regional security and stability, the state news agency SPA reported on Friday.
The US Defense Department confirmed the move in a statement, saying it would deploy troops and resources to Saudi Arabia to “provide an additional deterrent” in the face of “emergent, credible threats.” The gesture comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf that have impacted global oil markets.
The decision on hosting US forces aims “to increase joint cooperation in defence of regional security and stability and to preserve its peace” SPA said, quoting a Ministry of Defence official, without giving further details.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deployment would include about 500 US military personnel in Saudi Arabia, and is part of a boost in number of US troops in Middle East that Pentagon announced last month. Trump has said he considers Saudi Arabia an important partner in Middle East and counterweight to influence of Iran.
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21/07/2019
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