The US is to deploy hundreds of unarmed National Guard troops to Washington ahead of the arrival of trucker convoys protesting against pandemic restrictions.<br />''<br />''Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from the District of Columbia government and the US Capitol Police.<br />''<br />''The roughly 700 troops will be deployed on various roads in Washington.<br />''<br />''The US trucker convoys aim to replicate recent trucker protests in Canada, which paralyzed the capital Ottawa.<br />''<br />''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.<br />''<br />''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.<br />''<br />''<br />