Are they being employed as attack aircraft?
If so, it's the only resources the Pentagon has on station and a sign we have insufficient weapons, men...and possibly will.
This should not be mistaken for a major escalation.
Wouldn’t those Harriers be obsolete 30+ year old overworked mule horses by now ?
6 Harriers, but 22 Ospreys - high speed, long range tilt rotor helicopters.
They can rescue downed pilots, transport special forces, or haul in some of their 1,800 Marines if there is need.