U.S Navy Sends Assault Ship & Marines to East Mediterranean Sea Amidst Fear of Israel-Hezbollah War

Due to heightening tensions in the Middle East, the U.S has sent an assault vessel USS Wasp and marines to the Mediterranean Sea, given the chances that a war between Israel and the Hezbollah group based in Lebanon might break out.

The USS Wasp is with USS Oak Hill and USS New York and the 3 ships make up the Amphibious Ready Group.

Though Israel-Lebanon has been involved in conflicts regularly since the Israel-Hamas conflict unfolded, the situation has been quite intense in the past few weeks, with experts saying a war between the two is possible.

Thousands of people remain displaced due to the instability that these conflicts have created.

Now, the U.S has sent its ships and marines not only to display force but to prevent both parties from direct confrontation or to rescue U.S citizens if required. The U.S has sent around 2000 soldiers which include those trained for operations like evacuating people from war zones.

Captain Nakia Cooper, Commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4, said that each vessel can conduct amphibious operations on their own.

There are reports that the U.S is discussing with allies to coordinate their evacuation plans and conduct joint military operations if needed.

Hezbollah is sponsored by Iran and has large parts of Lebanon under its control. It is the biggest group in the region along with Houthis, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hezbollah opposes Israel and believes it should not exist.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant went to the U.S to discuss the possibilities of a war with the Iran-backed Group. If this happens, then Israel would be in a war on two fronts simultaneously, with Hezbollah and Hamas.

The U.S CIA estimates that Hezbollah possesses over 1,00,000 missiles and rockets and over 50,000 fighters.

References: The Hill, First Post

U.S Navy Sends Assault Ship & Marines to East Mediterranean Sea Amidst Fear of Israel-Hezbollah War appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News