Saudi Arabia to host US troops

RIYADH- Anadolu Agency

Saudi Arabia’s ruler has approved hosting U.S. armed forces in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on July 20.

Citing a Defense Ministry official, it said on its official Twitteraccount  that “based on the efforts to strengthen regional security and stability, and based on the joint cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, his majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, has approved hosting U.S. armed forces in the Kingdom to increase joint cooperation in defense of regional security and stability and to preserve its peace.”

The state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the move earlier but did not provide details on the number of U.S. troops that are expected to arrive in the Kingdom.

CNN reported on July 18 that the U.S. is preparing to send 500 troops to the country.