The planned deployment comes in the wake of the Biden administration's announcement earlier this month that the US would begin its final withdrawal from Afghanistan in May, and complete it by the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in September.
The US has begun to withdraw forces from Afghanistan, while Army Rangers will be temporarily deployed there, increasing troop numbers in the war-torn country, White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has announced.
The spokeswoman indicated that that US Central Command would continually assess force protection requirements in coordination with US Forces Afghanistan “in the weeks and months ahead,” and that US forces have the flexibility to move additional capabilities into and out of Afghanistan as required.
The imminent Ranger deployment comes following the Pentagon's sending of B-52 bombers near Afghanistan last week to help “ensure security” during the withdrawal. Also last week, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin approved the extended deployment of the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Middle East, with its air assets expected to help cover withdrawing forces.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed last Friday that a temporary increase in US ground forces may take place during the withdrawal.
Earlier this month, US Central Command Chief Gen. Kenneth McKenzie expressed concerns about the Afghan military's high levels of dependence on US…
