The US sends additional warships to Israel and puts 2,000 troops on standby

2023-10-19 08:17:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The US sends additional warships to Israel and puts 2,000 troops on standby

Illustrative photo

Hours after the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7, the United States began sending warships and warplanes to the region to stand ready to help Israel with whatever it needs to respond to the militant group. On Tuesday, October 17, additional US warships and troops headed for Israel, while other US troops are preparing to move there if requested.

One US aircraft carrier and its naval fleet are already stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, while another is on its way there. In addition, three US Navy warships are headed for the Mediterranean. Dozens of fighter jets have been sent to US military bases around the Middle East, while US special operations forces are working with Israel's military on planning and intelligence.

As of Tuesday, five shipments of US weapons and equipment have arrived in Israel.

All of this preparation reflects heightened US concerns that the deadly war between Hamas and Israel will escalate and spill over into a wider regional conflict. Therefore, the main mission of America's warships and warplanes is the large and visible presence that will deter Hezbollah, Iran or others from exploiting this situation.

Navy ships and aircraft

One of the most visible examples of the American response is in the waters around Israel – a massive fleet of warships is or is heading for the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea.

The modern US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford was ordered to the eastern Mediterranean within hours of the attack, and on Tuesday the Pentagon said the carrier's six-month deployment to the region had been extended, but did not say how long. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently ordered the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to join Ford in the eastern Mediterranean, and the carrier is now en route.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon said it would also send the USS Bataan amphibious assault group, which consists of three ships carrying thousands of Marines. A US official said the USS Mesa Verde, an amphibious transport dock, is in the Mediterranean Sea, and that the Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship, were in the Gulf region and are now heading for the Red Sea.

The ships carry helicopters and fighter jets that can send Marines into hostile territory, or provide medical care and other assistance.

Warships, especially aircraft carriers with fighter jets and follow-on aircraft, have historically proven effective deterrents against Iran and other militant activities in the Middle East.

Weapons and special operations forces

Planes loaded with US weapons have already started arriving in Israel. A C-17 transport plane was unloaded Friday at the eastern Gaza air base, Nevatim. On Tuesday, the Pentagon said five such deliveries had already been made and more would be made.

US Defense officials say the administration has already given Israel small bombs, other munitions and interceptor missiles for its Iron Dome air defense system, and will give more.

The ammunition that the US will donate to Israel for Iron Dome will likely be additional, as Israel has already ordered ammunition, and will be part of the military aid package.

In addition, the US has established a small special operations forces cell that is working with Israel, providing intelligence and planning data as well as advice to the Israel Defense Forces in its efforts to them for the rescue of the hostages.

The Pentagon said these US troops are not participating in any hostage rescue operation and that there are no US military forces on the ground in Israel.

Air Force fighter jets

The Pentagon has also ordered more fighter jets to join A-10, F-15 and F-16 units at air bases across the Middle East. Even more will be added if necessary.

The US Air Force already has air power in the region to conduct manned and unmanned operations, primarily in Syria, where F-16 fighter jets were ordered last week to shoot down a Turkish drone that was threatening US ground forces.

Additional troops are being prepared

Austin ordered 2,000 US troops to be ready to move, if necessary, in the coming days or weeks.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Tuesday that the units have not yet been identified. She said the troops would be able to react quickly, especially to provide intelligence and surveillance, transport and medical assistance.

Air Force and Army personnel are likely to be included among the 2,000 troops./ rel