Top updates: 3,500 more US soldiers reach West Asia, Israeli strike kills 3 journalists in Lebanon

The United States military on Saturday said that 3,500 more marines and sailors have arrived in West Asia amid the conflict.

This came as The Washington Post reported on Saturday, quoting unidentified officials, that the US Department of War is preparing for “weeks of ground operations” in Iran.

Here are more top updates from the conflict in West Asia:

• The US marines and sailors arrived in the US Central Command area of responsibility on board USS Tripoli. “The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets,” the US military said.
• Possible US ground operations would not amount to a full-scale invasion and could instead involve raids by infantry soldiers or special forces, The Washington Post quoted the unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. In response to the report, the White House said that the Pentagon prepares to give the president “maximum optionality” and it does not mean that a decision about ground operations has been made.
• US President Donald Trump has in recent days indicated an interest in ending the conflict, but has also threatened to broaden the scope of attacks on Iran.
• Three journalists were killed in southern Lebanon...

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