WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says is sending a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East to bolster security and to be prepared to defend Israel if necessary. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday (Sept. 30, 2024) that the increased presence will come from multiple fighter jet squadrons. It follows recent strikes in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a significant escalation in the war in the Middle East, this time between Israel and Hezbollah. The jets are not there to assist in an evacuation, Singh said, “they are there for the protection of U.S. forces.”