Reference News Network, March 15 report: According to the website of the U.S. "New York Times" on March 14, as the Iranian military strengthens its offensive in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has deployed about 2,500 marines to the Middle East, marking a new phase in the Iran war that has lasted for two weeks.

According to two U.S. defense officials, this unit, officially named the "31st Marine Expeditionary Unit," will be deployed in an unusual location, mainly due to a problem that has troubled the Pentagon - the Iranian military's ability to mine the strait. One-fifth of the world's oil transportation passes through this narrow waterway.

The U.S. air strikes have forced Iran to abandon its larger naval ships and instead deploy fast boats carrying mines that can avoid aircraft. These fast boats are likely to depart from islands near the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said that a retired senior defense official who is familiar with the combat capabilities of this unit said that as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives in the Middle East from the Indian Ocean-Pacific region in the coming days, the Pentagon will be able to quickly launch raids by marine infantry on these islands, and obtain logistical and air support.

This increases the risk of escalation. President Trump quickly authorized smaller-scale military actions (such as the raid that forcibly controlled Venezuelan President Maduro in January this year) may bring short-term returns, but if there is a mistake, it could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Although the number of the Marine expeditionary unit is relatively small compared to the 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the Middle East, they are valued by military commanders because they can quickly deploy detachments and vehicles to the ground. The retired senior defense official also said that in the Strait of Hormuz, the Marines can use electronic jamming vehicles deployed on ships for anti-drone operations and provide escort for tankers and other merchant ships. (Translated by Liu Xiaoyan)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7617425294828126739/

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