US to deploy unarmed Naional Guard troops to Washington ahead arrival of trucker convoys protesting against pandemic restrictions

Washington: The US is to deploy hundreds of unarmed National Guard troops to Washington ahead of the arrival of trucker convoys protesting against pandemic restrictions.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from the District of Columbia government and the US Capitol Police.

The roughly 700 troops will be deployed on various roads in Washington.

The US trucker convoys aim to replicate recent trucker protests in



Canada, which paralyzed the capital Ottawa.

The National Guard troops will provide support at designated traffic posts, provide command and control, and cover sustainment requirements from Saturday until 7 March, a statement said.

Some 50 large tactical vehicles will be stationed at traffic posts 24 hours a day, the statement said. The troops will not carry firearms or take part in law enforcement.