U.S. Warship Docks In Cyprus, Ready To Support Civilians If Middle East Conflict Intensifies

The USS Wasp, an amphibious U.S. assault ship, has docked in Limassol, Cyprus’ southern port, for a scheduled visit. However, the arrival comes at a crucial time, with the US stating that the vessel could be used to assist civilians if regional tensions intensify in the Middle East.

US Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher stated that the visit comes as the United States continues all efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and be prepared to support civilians in crisis on X (formerly Twitter), along with key partners.

Cyprus, a European Union member, offered to assist in the evacuation of Europeans and third-country nationals if necessary as tensions between Israel, Iran, and Iran-affiliated forces escalate.

The Cypriot government emphasized its involvement in providing humanitarian aid, with spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stating, “Humanitarian assistance is what we do.”

The reason behind the port visit is increased regional tensions.

Iran has pledged retaliation against Israel over the July 31 incident that led to the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, for which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.

The recent death of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut has complicated the situation even more. Shukr was allegedly responsible for a missile attack in the Golan Heights on July 27 that killed 12 children.

US authorities have warned that if Iran launches a large-scale attack on Israel, it could lead to an all-out war.

The ongoing conflict, which began with the Hamas October 7, 2023 attack, has already claimed around 1,200 lives and taken 251 hostages.

Iran’s allies have specifically targeted Cyprus, which has a British military base used by the US and UK to launch airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

In a July 19 speech, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Cyprus of supporting Israel by allowing it to use Cypriot airports and bases. He warned that Cyprus might face retaliation, stating that the opening of Cypriot airports and bases to the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon indicates that the Cypriot government is part of the war, and the opposition will deal with it as part of the war.

Reference: Times of Israel

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Source: Maritime Shipping News