US Deploys Elite Special Operations Forces in Middle East Alongside Airborne Units

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Among the additional troops deployed by the U.S. military amid tensions with Iran, special operations forces are reportedly included. With special operations units, known for capturing enemy figures or conducting surprise attacks, being part of the reinforcements, attention is drawn to the future U.S. military strategy against Iran.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the U.S. political media outlet Politico on the 5th (local time), special operations forces are included among the 4,000 troops the U.S. military plans to deploy to the Middle East. The U.S. military decided to deploy an additional 3,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, and along with them, one company from the 75th Ranger Regiment, a key ground combat unit under the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (ASOC), has also been deployed.

Although one company of the 75th Rangers is incomparable in size to the 82nd Airborne Division, it is expected to be a core combat force if deployed in the Middle East region. During the 2006 Iraq War, this unit was tasked with attacking militia leaders supported by Iran.

This unit is an elite light infantry force of the U.S. military, performing roles such as surprise attacks, assassination and kidnapping of key figures, airport seizures, special reconnaissance, and sabotage operations.

The killing of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, by the U.S. military worsened relations between the U.S. and Iran to the worst level. However, the initial trigger of this incident was the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia, supported by Iran. Therefore, it seems highly likely that this unit will be utilized in operations against militias receiving Iranian support.

However, a U.S. military official did not disclose where the Ranger company would be deployed, Politico reported.

Iran has also entered a counterattack posture.

According to major foreign media, Iran’s missile units have gone on high alert. It is not yet known whether Iran’s military high alert is intended for retaliation against the U.S. or for defense against a potential U.S. attack.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.