The move comes as the US military bolsters its presence in the region to support Israeli aggression on Gaza that have claimed the lives of more than 10,000 Palestinian civilians since October 7.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which abruptly ended its training in Kuwait last week, is currently in the Red Sea and is expected to enter the Mediterranean soon.

The MEU is part of the Bataan Amphibious-Ready Group, which consists of three Navy ships: the USS Bataan, USS Mesa Verde and USS Carter Hall.

The MEU is capable of performing evacuation operations and providing humanitarian assistance, among other missions.

The MEU will join two aircraft carrier strike groups that are already in the area: the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Pentagon announced on Saturday that the Eisenhower, along with its cruiser and two destroyers, will remain in the region to offer aid to israel and deter any other groups or nations from entering the war. (ILKHA)