US Orders 8,500 Troops on Heightened Alert Amid Russia Worry

Associated PressPublished: January 25, 2022

FILE PHOTO: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - DECEMBER 02: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attends the 53rd Security Consultative Meeting on December 02, 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea and the United States are set to hold their annual defense ministerial talks in Seoul on Thursday to discuss the envisioned wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer, North Korean threats and bilateral alliance issues. (Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun - Pool/Getty Images)

By ROBERT BURNS and LORNE COOK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered about 8,500 U.S. troops on heightened alert, preparing for possible deployment to Europe, if needed, to reassure NATO allies in the face of Russian aggression on the border of Ukraine.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Monday no final decisions have been made on U.S. deployments, but the troops need to be ready.

Actual deployment could depend upon NATO deciding to activate its rapid-response force.

In any event, the troops would not be sent to Ukraine itself, which is not a NATO member. Kirby said, "What this is about is reassurance to our NATO allies."

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Source: US Orders 8,500 Troops on Heightened Alert Amid Russia Worry

Filed Under: NATO, Pentagon, Russia, Ukraine

Categories: National News