US to Send Troops to Bolster Saudi Air Defenses

US President Donald Trump has agreed to send a limited number of troops to Saudi Arabia to help the Gulf kingdom plug holes in its air defenses following last weekend’s missile and drone attacks against major oil-processing facilities. “In response to the kingdom’s request, the president has approved the deployment of US forces, which will be defensive in nature and primarily focused on air and missile defense,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters on Friday at the Pentagon. “We will also work to accelerate the delivery of military equipment to the kingdom… and the [United Arab Emirates] to enhance their ability to defend themselves.” Appearing alongside Gen. Joseph Dunford, who chairs the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Esper said the logistics of the move would be worked out in the coming days. He refused to say, however, whether there would be further moves in the future. Both Washington and Riyadh are blaming Iran for last Saturday’s aerial strikes. Tehran denies it was involved and has been warning about all-out war should there be reprisals.