The US is preparing a marine rapid reaction unit for possible deployment to Israel, the US station CNN reported, citing US administration officials.
According to CNN, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid reaction force capable of conducting special operations, is preparing in case it receives an order to approach Israel to reinforce the position of American forces there.
The unit currently on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan consists of over 2,000 Marines and sailors and will be able to, among others: support large-scale evacuation. The main tasks of the maritime expeditionary group include evacuation operations and humanitarian aid.
This unit deployed to the region in July in response to increased Iranian aggression in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters.
USS Bataan on standbyUS Navy
The US deploys its forces near Israel
Orders for the unit have not yet been issued, according to CNN, but Defense Department officials have repeatedly said in recent days that the Pentagon would be able to quickly deploy additional forces and resources to the region if needed.
Earlier this week, the United States deployed the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Main photo source: US Navy