The United States is ramping up its military presence near Israel and Lebanon in response to escalating tensions along the border, according to two US officials. This move includes forces that are prepared to evacuate American citizens if necessary.
The USS Wasp and its Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), were deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday, the Navy confirmed. While this deployment was planned in advance, recent developments have prompted the ships to move further east into the Mediterranean.
Israeli officials have expressed readiness for “intense action” in southern Lebanon, leading to concerns of potential conflict with Hezbollah. In light of this, the US State Department has once again advised American citizens to “strongly reconsider travel” to Lebanon, citing a volatile security environment. While no evacuation orders have been issued yet, the White House is prepared for the possibility.
The 24th MEU, stationed on the USS Wasp, is equipped to carry out special operations, including evacuations. In 2006, during the last conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the State Department successfully evacuated around 15,000 Americans from Lebanon over a two-week period.
NBC initially reported on the movement of US forces towards Israel and Lebanon, highlighting the growing concerns in the region.The Navy has confirmed that the Oak Hill, another ship in the Wasp ARG, was already in the area after passing through the Strait of Gibraltar earlier this month.
The presence of these military assets underscores the growing tensions in the region and the US commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the event of a potential crisis.
