U.S. to send troops to Saudi after oil attacks
The U.S. is sending troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's defences, following the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTING U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY MARK ESPER SAYING:
"In response to the kingdom's request, the President has approved the deployment of U.S. forces, which will be defensive in nature and, primarily, focused on air and missile defense.''
Both the kingdom and the United States blame last weekend's attack on Iran.
Saudi Arabia says 18 drones and three missiles were fired at one of the kingdom's biggest plants, while another was hit by four missiles.
Both facilities were ravaged by fires, leaving significant damage that halved the crude output of the world's top oil exporter.
Iran has denied any involvement and warned on Saturday (September 21) that aggressors would be pursued and destroyed.
The attacks -- which U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called an "act of war" -- prompted President Donald Trump to order a new round of sanctions on Iran, some aimed at its central bank and sovereign wealth fund.
On Saturday, Iran's foreign minister denounced the sanctions as an attempt to deny ordinary Iranians access to food and medicine, and said the move was a sign of U.S. desperation.
As work continues to repair the damage, the Chief Executive of Saudi Aramco said the company has emerged from the attacks "stronger than ever," adding that full oil production would resume by the end of this month.
