In response to Iranian efforts to seize commercial ships in the Middle East, the US is bolstering its military presence by sending additional warships and thousands of marines to the Gulf region.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the deployment of the USS Bataan amphibious readiness group and the 26th Marine Expeditional Unit to the area.
The USS Bataan group comprises three ships, including an amphibious assault ship, and the marine unit typically consists of around 2,500 troops.
The deployment, authorized by US Central Command, aims to enhance security and maritime capabilities in the region.
Although the ships were not named in the announcement, US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall are also part of the group, which left Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this month.
The final destination of all three ships remains uncertain.
