U.S. to deploy thousands of additional troops to Saudi Arabia

The Pentagon said on Friday it would send a large number of additional forces and equipment to Saudi Arabia, including air defenses and fighter aircraft. It has approved the deployment of 3,000 additional troops and military hardware to Saudi Arabia, boosting the country's defenses after attacks on its oil installations blamed on Iran.

In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said U.S. Defense Secretary Esper authorized the deployment of additional forces, including two fighter squadrons, two Patriot batteries, and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD).

"Secretary Esper informed Saudi Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Muhammad bin Salman this morning of the additional troop deployment to assure and enhance the defense of Saudi Arabia," the statement said.

"Since May, the Department of Defense has increased the number of forces by approximately 14,000 to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility as an investment into regional security," read the statement.

The Pentagon said Washington does not seek conflict with the Iran, but it is ready respond to any crisis and will defend U.S. forces and interest in the region.

Drones hit two oil facilities in the north of Saudi Arabia on Sept. 14, causing it to take out 5.7 million barrels per day of production and roiled global hydrocarbon markets.

Yemen's Houthi rebel group initially claimed responsibility for the attack, but the U.S. has since blamed Iran, as has Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Republic has denied any connection to the strikes.