🔺CENTCOM: Troop movements in the Middle East are normal

◾In response to reports about the reduction of American forces in the Middle East, the U.S. Central Command said that troop movements are part of normal routine.

◾Two government officials, speaking to NBC, described the troop reductions as similar to actions that were carried out before the first U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

◾Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, said: “We regularly move American forces and equipment to optimize mission readiness.” He added: “We do not discuss security-operation-related movements for operational security reasons.”

◾CENTCOM emphasized that its forces are alert and ready to protect Americans and U.S. interests in the region.