Pentagon: U.S. sending more troops to Middle East as Israel steps up strikes on Hezbollah

More U.S. troops are heading to the Middle East as Israel steps up its strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to the Pentagon.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to disclose how many additional troops are heading to the Middle East or elaborate on their specific tasks.

There are currently about 40,000 U.S. troops spread out across the Middle East.

“In light of increased tension in the Middle East and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region," Ryder said on Monday. "But for operational security reasons, I’m not going to comment on or provide specifics.”

The State Department advised U.S. citizens on Saturday to leave Lebanon.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” said the department.

Thousands fled their homes after the Israeli military warned residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate before launching strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, killing more than 270 people and wounding over 1,000.  

Last week, pagers and other communication devices exploded in different parts of the country in a targeted attack against Hezbollah. Sources have said Israel was behind the operation but the Israeli government has not yet confirmed its involvement.