CENTCOM Reports Arrival of U.S. Marines and Warships in the Middle East

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the arrival of over 3,000 sailors and Marines in the Middle East. CENTCOM's Twitter account stated that this number of U.S. Marines, along with the warships USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall, entered the CENTCOM area of responsibility in the Middle East on August 6 as part of a previously announced deployment by the U.S. Department of Defense. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, said in a phone interview with VOA Persian on August 7 that 'over 3,000' U.S. military personnel have entered the Red Sea with two warships as part of a troop increase plan following the seizure of oil tankers by Iran. Hawkins emphasized the importance of this presence, stating, 'This presence is specifically a strong and steadfast commitment to maritime security throughout the Middle East. We have operated in this region alongside our partners and allies for decades and are committed to ensuring maritime security, legal commercial activity, and trade.' The spokesperson added that 'increased readiness is a key factor for deterrence against the destabilizing activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.' He noted that the additional forces joining them provide the capability to deter disruptive activities and also serve as a factor for de-escalation in Iran's provocative actions that have been harassing commercial shipping activities, as seen recently. Hawkins was asked whether the current increase in power would be sufficient to counter the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, to which he replied, 'The force that has entered the region, along with the presence of the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall, has given us special operational power and flexibility, but these forces do not operate alone; we are alongside our regional partners and international allies who have a serious commitment to maritime security and regional stability.' He also addressed whether other coalition partners would increase their forces, stating, 'What I can say is that our regional partners and global allies are with us all along the way, while our focus is on addressing disruptive activities, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. We leave it to them to discuss their activities and will not speak on their behalf.' CENTCOM had previously stated that the deployed forces include an amphibious ship and a support ship capable of landing on the deck of the U.S. Navy, along with their personnel and related equipment. General Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, stated, 'CENTCOM is committed to defending freedom of navigation in our area of responsibility, which includes some of the world's important waterways.' He added, 'The added forces provide unique capabilities that, alongside our partners in the region, will better protect the free flow of international trade and uphold the international order based on laws.' Following provocative actions and the seizure of commercial vessels by the Islamic Republic in the Middle East waters in recent months, the United States has sought to strengthen its military presence in the region.