Roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are headed for the Middle East, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans, said elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East.
The move marks a major addition of troops to the region.
Marine Expeditionary Units are not only trained and equipped to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians, and disaster relief.
While the deployment is a major increase of troops to the region, it does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place at all.
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the USS Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been at sea in the waters of the Pacific Ocean for the past several days, according to images released by the military. Their location puts them more than a week away from the waters off Iran.
