The United States will send more forces into Saudi Arabia even as President Donald Trump says he wants to reduce American military involvement in the Middle East.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper ordered the deployment of two more fighter squadrons and accompanying personnel to the oil-rich American ally, he told reporters Friday. The U.S. will also deploy Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile defense systems.

"Taken together with other deployments I have extended or authorized within the last month, this involves about 3,000 United States forces," the Pentagon chief said.

The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East sparked in part by Trump's decision to pull troops from northern Syria. Earlier this week, Turkey launched airstrikes and artillery fire targeting U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the area.

Esper also chastised Turkey on Friday for what he called an "impulsive action" to start the offensive in Syria.

"We oppose and are greatly disappointed by Turkey's decision to launch a unilateral military incursion into northern Syria," the Defense secretary said. He added that it has put the U.S. in a "tough situation," due to its North Atlantic Treaty Organization ties to Turkey and allegiance with the Kurdish forces in Syria.