Washington, 23 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) - A "small number" of additional US troops are being sent to the Middle East as Israel expands its attacks against the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah.

"In light of the increased tensions in the Middle East, and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional US military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder was quoted by US media outlets, including CNN, as saying on Monday.

There about 40,000 US military personnel already stationed in the Middle East.

Israel dramatically stepped up its attacks against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Monday. Health authorities say 274 people have died in Lebanon and more than 1,000 others have been wounded.

Photo: MIA archive