In response to the recent surge in violence between Hamas and Israel, a special operations Marine Corps unit has departed Kuwait earlier than expected. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit was scheduled to participate in Marine Air-Ground task force training exercises in Kuwait until October 22. However, the emerging events in Israel and Gaza prompted their early departure, as reported by the Marines.
The training exercises began with the USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall, two naval vessels that arrived near Kuwait to offload elements and equipment for the exercises. It is important to note that the USS Bataan’s deployment to the Middle East was pre-planned and not a direct response to the ongoing conflict.
Tragically, on October 7, a deadly surprise attack on Israel by Hamas-led militants resulted in the deaths of at least 22 US citizens. Additionally, 17 individuals remain unaccounted for, with some being held hostage in Gaza. This attack likely influenced the decision to recall the Marines and sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
According to Marine Corps Times, the unit is no longer in the vicinity of Kuwait. Captain Angelica White, spokesperson for the unit, confirmed this information and stated that the crew has returned to their ships to prepare for further tasking due to emerging events. While White did not explicitly mention the attacks in Israel and Gaza, it is likely that they are the cause of the emerging events.
In a show of support for Israel and to deter any escalation or widening of the conflict, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The strike group consists of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, eight squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and several missile destroyers and cruisers. General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized that the presence of these highly capable forces sends a strong signal of deterrence to any actor hostile to Israel.
President Joe Biden addressed the situation during a meeting with Jewish leaders at the White House. He issued a warning to Iran to “be careful” and announced the surge of additional military assistance to the Israeli Defense Force. This assistance includes ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome. The U.S. carrier fleet has also been moved to the Eastern Mediterranean, and more fighter jets are being deployed to the region.
It is worth noting that this recent deployment of forces to the Middle East follows a call by the Department of Defense for additional troops due to recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations. In August, 3,000 sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in the region to provide greater flexibility and maritime capability to the U.S. 5th Fleet.
As the situation in Israel and Gaza continues to escalate, the presence of U.S. Marines and naval forces aims to support Israel and deter further aggression. The early departure of the Marine Corps unit from Kuwait highlights the seriousness of the emerging events and the commitment of the United States to maintain stability in the region.
