In response to a series of attacks on coalition bases, roughly 900 US troops have been deployed or are deploying to the Middle East, announced Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on Thursday. The move comes as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with concerns over Iranian-backed militia groups planning further attacks against US forces.

The deployed and deploying units include a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery from Fort Bliss, Texas, Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Additionally, associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas, are being sent to support regional deterrence efforts and strengthen US force protection capabilities. Notably, these units will not be going to Israel.

The Pentagon's decision to send reinforcements follows a spate of recent attacks. Between October 17th and 26th, US and coalition forces were targeted 12 times in Iraq and four times in Syria by a combination of one-way attack drones and rockets, according to Ryder. Twenty-one US service members sustained minor injuries during these attacks, with 19 diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at Al Assad Air Base in Syria and four at Al-Tanf Garrison in Iraq. However, all injured personnel have returned to duty and there have been no additional reported cases of TBI since October 18th.

Intelligence reports suggest that Iranian-backed militia groups aim to intensify their assaults on US forces in the Middle East, capitalizing on the regional backlash against US support for Israel amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Confirming the major concern, an attack on Thursday targeted Erbil Airbase, though it was deemed "unsuccessful" and resulted in no casualties, albeit causing minor damage to infrastructure, according to Ryder.

The latest deployment of troops adds to the roughly 2,500 US troops already stationed in Iraq and the approximately 900 troops in Syria. In addition, naval assets have been directed to the region, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, currently en route to the Middle East, and the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, presently situated in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Critics have raised questions regarding the delay in the US military's response to the attacks on its forces. In response, Ryder affirmed that the US military retains the right to defend its troops and will take all necessary measures to protect its forces and interests overseas. He further emphasized that the Iranian-backed militia groups responsible for the attacks are supported by Iran, and therefore, Iran bears responsibility for their actions.

As tensions continue to mount in the region, the deployment of additional troops seeks to send a strong message to adversaries and reinforce regional deterrence efforts. The US remains committed to safeguarding its forces and interests in the Middle East, while also aiming to prevent the conflict from escalating further.

(Note: This news article is solely based on the information provided by the user and does not include any additional context or speculation.)