US Deploys Ohio-Class Submarine to the Mediterranean Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
An Ohio-class submarine, a type of vessel which can be equipped with advanced ballistic or Tomahawk cruise missiles, has arrived in the Mediterranean as the US continues to bolster its defensive posture amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US forces in the Middle East and West and Central Asia, confirmed the submarine’s arrival in the region. The location of submarines is usually kept secret for security reasons, making this disclosure significant.
A photo posted by CENTCOM appears to show the submarine sailing through the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The submarine, said to be the largest of the 14 US Navy ballistic submarines, is reportedly equipped with ballistic munitions.
The submarine’s deployment coincided with high-level diplomatic visits by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to the area. The US has recently dispatched two navy carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean as a show of support to Israel amid rising tensions.
The display of US firepower is intended to deter hostile forces in the region, including Iran, which has provided support to Hamas and Hezbollah. The deployment of the Ohio-class submarine adds to the US’s defensive military posture in the Middle East.
Source: An Ohio-class submarine, possibly equipped with ballistic missiles, has arrived in the Mediterranean
