Evacuation of American citizens in the Mediterranean: The United States ready to act

Fatshimetrie – Evacuation of American citizens by American forces in the Mediterranean Sea

Tensions are rising in the Mediterranean as the United States prepares to evacuate American citizens in the event of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Two US officials revealed that US forces were deploying closer to Israel and Lebanon, including units capable of conducting an emergency evacuation if necessary.

The USS Wasp and its Combat Ready Amphibious Ready Group, with the 24th Marine Battalion on mission, took up position in the Mediterranean Sea this week. Although the deployment was part of a pre-planned plan, concerns about a possible escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah prompted the United States to move the ships to the eastern Mediterranean.

Israeli authorities have declared themselves ready for “intense action” in southern Lebanon, which motivates this American reaction. Faced with this tense situation, the State Department once again recommended that American citizens “seriously reconsider their travel” to Lebanon, emphasizing the complexity of the security situation which can evolve rapidly. Although the evacuation of American citizens has not yet been ordered, the White House is preparing if necessary.

The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, deployed earlier this month, consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, the amphibious transport ship USS New York and the USS Oak Hill. The latter was already present in the region after crossing the Strait of Gibraltar on June 18.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating from the USS Wasp, specializes in special operations and can carry out emergency evacuations. The previous non-combatant evacuation in 2006 during the war between Israel and Hezbollah resulted in the repatriation of approximately 15,000 Americans in two weeks.

Tension remains palpable in the Mediterranean, and the United States is taking steps to protect its nationals in the region. The instability of the situation requires increased vigilance and constant preparation to face any eventuality.