x
Breaking News
More () »

3,000 more Fort Bragg soldiers deploy to Middle East in wake of U.S. Embassy attack

After about 100 Marines were sent to the embassy, the Pentagon announced the deployment of about 750 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — 3,000 additional Fort Bragg soldiers are being deployed to the Middle East. This comes in the aftermath of the killing of an Iranian general in a strike ordered by President Donald Trump. 

RELATED: US sending 3,000 more troops following airstrike that killed Iranian commander

The troops are in addition to about 750 Fort Bragg soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division who deployed to Kuwait on New Year's Day. They were called to duty after an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. 

The attack on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad by Iran-supported militiamen shows that President Donald Trump's “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran has not crippled its ability to strike at American interests. Trump says Iran will “pay a very BIG PRICE!" He added: “This is not a Warning, it is a Threat. Happy New Year!" 

RELATED: Trump deploys more troops to Mideast after embassy attack in Iraq

A U.S. official says the deployment to Kuwait may eventually total about 4,000 soldiers.

Fort Bragg, N.C. shared a photo of troops boarding a plane for Iraq on New Year's Day adding, "While the rest of the country is celebrating the new year, Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are deploying to Iraq. Please keep them and all of our Service Members in your prayers." 

RELATED: Militiamen breach US Embassy in Baghdad; Trump blames Iran

OTHER STORIES 

North Korean leader calls for measures to protect the country's security

Taliban council agrees to cease-fire in Afghanistan

Remains of US soldier killed in Afghanistan returned to US

The new WFMY News 2 phone and tablet app boasts a modernized look and feel—download now.

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE

Before You Leave, Check This Out