On military maps, Mediterrenian The East looks like an anthill right now. Ahead of, near or heading towards the coast Gaza Strip And Israelships warThey are also unusual for the ‘Mare Nostrum’ in terms of numbers and combat capabilities. As the war drums beat in Israel and Palestine, the deployment is massive. United Kingdom, France, Italy and above all, United States of America These are some of the countries that have deployed reinforcements (amphibious assault groups, frigates, torpedo and patrol ships, escort ships and even nuclear aircraft carriers) to the region in recent weeks, not far from other Russian and Chinese ships.
General Vincenzo Camporini, former chief of the Italian Defense General Staff, describes it this way, in an analysis that overlaps with expert sources in other countries: extraordinary naval deployment and “hadn’t been seen for a long time.” The presence of soldiers from different countries of UNIFIL (Peacekeeping Mission) may also motivate this. UN Those who are “more exposed to risks right now,” Camporini says. “Also in Lebanon United States of America He clearly stated that his aim was to deter this possibility. Iranian consider intervening conflict“, To add.
The last ones to announce this were definitely the Italians. On Saturday, Giorgia Meloni’s government said two multi-purpose frigates designed to conduct deep strikes against land targets were already in the area and an Italian Navy amphibious assault ship was also headed there “for final humanitarian evacuation.” fourth ship, Thaon di RevelAccording to Rome, a modern and versatile patrol ship currently moored in Cyprus (an island that appears to have become a nerve centre) will also be “ready” to bring aid to the population in the so-called Strip.
floating giants
The announcement came shortly after France confirm distribution TonnerreOne of the large attack ships of the French fleet, which Paris claimed to have sent to the region for humanitarian purposes.; Of course, the frigates ‘Alsace and Surcouf’ accompany them. Again TonnerreWhich days ago was I there? military maneuvers joints European Union Analysts (MILEZ/LIVEX 23) emphasize that it is also equipped with advanced communication devices that could help Paris have its own intelligence source. Break even, United Kingdom has already activated at least one RFA-class auxiliary landing craft and ship ArgusThe Royal Navy’s large floating hospital‘, According to Naval News special page.
A separate and important issue is the massive US deployment. weeks ago, washington Reported that he was transferred to the ‘Gerald R. Ford’ region aircraft carrier the strongest in the world. This ship, which was in Italian waters when the order was received to proceed to the Eastern Mediterranean, belongs to the US Sixth Fleet and has tremendous capabilities thanks to its massive size and propulsion with two nuclear reactors that allow it to sail without refueling. It hosts dozens of aircraft and troops.
‘Ford’‘ It reached its mission area on October 10, according to the US Navy. The same source added that there was also a cruiser with this ship. guided missiles ‘Normandy‘in addition to missile destroyers ‘Ramage’, ‘Carney’, ‘Thomas Hudner’‘ and ‘Roosevelt’‘. These last two are after refueling in Greece. Along with them, another aircraft carrier, ‘Dwight D. Eisenhower’, also passed the Strait of Gibraltar on 28 October and is currently heading towards the Eastern Mediterranean as part of the strike group consisting of another cruiser, two destroyers and nine squadrons. aeroplane. They will also join the American battleship Mount Whitney‘Days ago, the ship set sail from Gaeta, Italy (based in Naples), with Vice Admiral Thomas Ishee, commander of the Sixth Fleet, on board.
Chinese and Russian
A strong show and wouldn’t be without it dangersAs Julien Barnes-Dacey, a researcher at the European studies center ECFR, points out. For example, the “significant” risk of US maneuvers is that Iran sees it as “a threat”. preemptive escalationBarnes-Dacey says this “could encourage an expansion of the conflict.” “We have already seen increased conflicts between them. Hezbollah and from militias supported by Israel, Iran and the US army. SyriaThis highlights the fragility of the situation,” this observer emphasizes.
Moreover, these ships are not alone. “We must not forget that there are a dozen ships in the area. Russia “They were already there because they were stationed in the naval forces in Syria,” General Camporini recalls. They also join at least a handful of Chinese warships that are conducting exercises near Oman and Somalia and, according to some sources, will remain in the region due to the ongoing conflict. According to observers, this is a “clear political signal” that the Asian giant, a country equipped with modern hypersonic ballistic missiles, also wants to assert itself as an actor in the Israeli-Palestinian war.