Pentagon deploying 2,500-strong Marine Force to Middle East, CNN reports

The Pentagon is deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East, a rapid response force typically made up of about 2,500 Marines and sailors, CNN reported.

Such units are often used for evacuations, amphibious operations and other contingency missions requiring ship-to-shore movements.

Officials have said there are no current plans to deploy ground troops, but have not ruled out the possibility.