America Reinforces Its Presence in the Red Sea: Two Ships and 3,000 Sailors

More than three thousand American sailors have arrived in the Middle East as part of a plan to strengthen military presence in the region. The spokesperson for the U.S. Fifth Fleet stated that "the security of navigation in the Arabian Gulf is crucial for the global economy." The amphibious assault ship "USS Bataan" and the landing ship "USS Carter Hall" entered the Red Sea on August 6, after crossing the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. These units bring additional air and naval assets to the region, along with more Marines and American sailors, providing greater flexibility and maritime capability for the U.S. Fifth Fleet, according to a statement from the U.S. Navy. The amphibious assault ship can carry more than twenty aircraft, including "MV-22 Osprey" and "AV-8B Harrier" attack aircraft, along with several amphibious landing craft. Washington has confirmed that its aim is to deter Iran from seizing ships and oil tankers, according to the Fifth Fleet reported on Monday.