U.S. says deploying more forces to Saudi Arabia to counter Iran threat

FILE PHOTO: Smoke is seen following a fire at an Aramco factory in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, September 14, 2019. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States announced the deployment of additional American military forces to Saudi Arabia on Friday to bolster the kingdom's defences after the Sept. 14 attack on its oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

The large deployment, which was first reported by Reuters, includes fighter squadrons, an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel, the Pentagon said. Together with the 200 forces to Saudi Arabia announced last month, the deployment totalled about 3,000 troops, it said.