• 米中央軍は、これに先立って複数のF-35およびF-16戦闘機をこの地域に展開していた
• イランは今月初め、ホルムズ海峡付近で石油タンカー2隻の拿捕を試み、そのうちの1隻に向けて発砲した

WASHINGTON: The US is sending additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to boost security following Iran’s attempt to seize a merchant vessel there.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday approved the deployment of the Bataan Amphibious Assault Ship Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Force to the Arabian Gulf region, U.S. officials said. The readiness group consists of three ships, including the amphibious assault ship Bataan. Also, expeditionary forces typically consist of about 2,500 Marines.

In a statement, U.S. Central Command said the deployment “further increases flexibility and maritime security capabilities in the region.” The ship was not named in the announcement, but a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, spoke of the military’s movements and provided details of the forces involved in the deployment.

The amphibious readiness group includes Bataan and two warships, the amphibious dock transport ships Mesa Verde and Carter Hall. The readiness group departed Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this month. As of Thursday, it was unclear whether all three vessels would continue to enter Arabian Gulf waters.

The deployment follows a decision made in recent weeks to deploy the destroyer USS Thomas Hadner and several F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to the region. A-10 attack planes have also been deployed to the area for several weeks in response to Iran’s moves.

Earlier this month, Iran opened fire on one of the two oil tankers it attempted to seize near the Strait of Hormuz. The fighter planes are intended as a deterrent against Iran, providing aerial support for merchant ships navigating local waters and increasing military visibility in the region.

U.S. Central Command Commander General Eric Kurilla said the additional forces “together with regional partners will provide a unique capability to better protect the free flow of international commerce, uphold the rules-based international order, and deter Iranian activities that destabilize the region.”

APs