According to the Pentagon’s decision, a group of ships consisting of the landing craft USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall and the shipping dock USS Mesa Verde are being sent to the region. In addition, 2,500 Marines will be deployed to the Persian Gulf.
The US has sent additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to boost security in response to Iranian attempts to seize merchant ships there. According to Military Times, this decision was approved by the Pentagon.
According to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the USS Bataan amphibious preparation group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit were sent to the Persian Gulf for these purposes. The readiness team consists of three ships, including the Bataan assault ship, and an expedition unit typically includes approximately 2,500 Marines.
Along with the USS Bataan, the group also includes the USS Mesa Verde amphibious assault dock and the USS Carter Hall landing craft. The group left Norfolk, Virginia earlier this month, but on July 20 it was still unclear whether all three ships were on their way to the Persian Gulf.
It was also reported earlier that in the Middle East direction, the Americans sent the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner with guided missile weapons and a group of F-16 fighter jets and A-10 attack aircraft.
“The additional force, together with our partner countries in the region, provides a unique capability that further safeguards free international trade, maintains a rules-based international order, and deters Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region,” said US General Eric Kurilla.
Earlier, according to White House spokesman John Kirby, it was reported that Iran carried out 15 attacks with commercial ships in the region in the last two years. The most recent incident occurred on May 3 when the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was hijacked by Iranian ships while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Focus
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.