US to deploy additional '650 Rangers' to Afghanistan

(MENAFN - Khaama Press) Image Source: Hoshang Hashimi/ AP/ USA Today 650 US troops are reportedly scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan soon to provide support and protection to the withdrawal process, CNN reported Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the deployment to facilitate US withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden ordered the U.S pull-out to be completed by September of this year. The infantry is reported to come from the 75th Ranger Regiment, which already has personnel stationed in the region as part of the special forces unit. The Rangers will be transported alongside a dedicated aircraft and close air support such as AC-130 gunships to protect them while providing support to the departing troops.  Earlier, US military commanders have asked an aircraft carrier to help protect and provide safety during the US and NATO troops' withdrawal NBC News reported. The aircraft carrier may be deployed in case the Taliban chooses to launch attacks on NATO troops during the withdrawal process. According to USNI news the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Air Wing 3and IKE's escorts were operating in the Northern parts of the Arabian Sea to support operations against ISIS as part of inherent resolve. General Kenneth McKenzie has sent a request to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to keep the carriers in the area instead of carrying operations in other regions. Lloyd Austin besides approval of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower warship also approved two B-52 bombers aircraft to carry out airstrikes in case the Taliban attacks the departing troops.MENAFN27042021000228011069ID1101989758