The US will send several thousand more sailors and Marines to the Middle East in the coming days, informed sources say, NBC reports.

According to the report, at least 2,200 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Force are expected to deploy to the Middle East from San Diego in the coming days. Sources told NBC that this is ahead of schedule.

The sources note that the Marines will be deployed on board the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship. Two additional ships will also be deployed for the operation, which will also house Marine personnel.