The US deploys nearly 80,000 troops to Europe, what is the purpose?

Tens of thousands of US soldiers have been sent to Europe and many other regions around the world . Illustration photo. (Source: Military Times)

In a letter to the US Congress on June 8, President Joe Biden said: “Approximately 80,000 US troops are deployed to NATO countries in Europe, including forces deployed to reassure allies and deter Russian attacks.”

Of these, 591 soldiers were transferred to NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) - currently with 3,800 people performing the task of maintaining stability in the region, in the context of renewed tension in northern Kosovo since late May.

In addition, in the Arabian Peninsula region, the US also sent 2,657 military personnel to Saudi Arabia to protect US forces and interests in the region “from hostile actions by Iran and Iran-backed groups”. In coordination with Riyadh, these forces will help strengthen air and missile defense capabilities and support the operations of US military aircraft.

Meanwhile, about 2,900 US troops are in Jordan, tasked with stopping the IS terrorist group. US forces are also deployed in Türkiye and Yemen to fight IS, but President Biden did not disclose specific numbers in the letter.

Mr. Biden also mentioned sending the country's armed forces to Sudan to carry out an evacuation campaign for US diplomatic staff and citizens, given the deteriorating security situation in Khartoum, Sudan.