US Troops Partially Withdraw from Middle East... To Counter China and Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As the United States focuses on responding to challenges from China and Russia, it is reducing missile and troop deployments in the Middle East region.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 18th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense plans to withdraw eight Patriot air defense missile batteries from the Middle East region, including Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, a squadron of jet fighters, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, will also be withdrawn from Saudi Arabia.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedly informed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of this during a recent phone call.

WSJ reported that the accelerated withdrawal from the Middle East reflects a strategic shift in the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen defense systems against China.

This change by the U.S. military also reflects the assessment that conflicts with Iran in the Middle East will not escalate. Since the Biden administration took office, the U.S. has been pursuing the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA ? Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

Previously, the Trump administration, which was very hostile toward Iran, significantly strengthened air defense military capabilities such as missile defense systems in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, to block missile and attack drone strikes from Iran and Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi rebels.

However, the U.S. Department of Defense emphasized that U.S. troops will continue to be stationed in the Middle East. A senior official explained, "This move is a reallocation of resources based on strategic priorities," adding that only some of the U.S. troops deployed locally will be reduced.

The official said, "We still maintain tens of thousands of troops in Iraq and Syria, and they are not leaving. Military bases in Gulf partner countries will continue to operate," and added, "The U.S. military will remain substantially present in the region."

A White House official stated that some of the troops and equipment withdrawn from Afghanistan will be redeployed to the Middle East.

WSJ reported that while the Biden administration plans to complete a global U.S. troop deployment review next month, the Department of Defense is already taking action to respond to Russia and China.

The outlet noted, "The Patriot missile defense systems are not necessarily being redeployed to the Indo-Pacific region, but sending them back to the U.S. for maintenance and freeing up operational and security personnel allows the military to focus more on other areas."

The U.S. government anticipates that reducing U.S. troops in the Middle East may lead to attempts by Russia and China to expand their influence in the region.

However, considering the continued presence of U.S. ground forces, security cooperation, joint military exercises, and the deep relationships between the U.S. and the respective countries, it is expected that Russia and China’s attempts are unlikely to proceed as planned.

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