The United States has dispatched hostage rescue experts to provide guidance to the Israel Defense Forces concerning the liberation of approximately 150 hostages, possibly including American citizens, who were captured by Hamas during a violent incident in southern Israel, as per sources within The Messenger.
In parallel, two high-ranking U.S. military officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of national security matters, have disclosed that U.S. special operations forces are now on standby in a nearby European nation. These forces, referred to as “door kickers,” stand ready to execute a rescue mission if the need arises.
At present, there is no indication that U.S. forces will engage in ground operations within Israel. Nevertheless, they are situated only a few hours away by air, should their intervention become necessary.
Additionally, the U.S. has deployed advisors from its intelligence community to bolster an American special operations team stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, according to insiders cited by The Messenger.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has officially confirmed that American personnel are present on the ground in Israel to support local authorities with intelligence and planning for potential hostage rescue operations. Furthermore, Austin has disclosed the existence of a “liaison cell” working alongside Israeli special operations forces, and emphasized the U.S.’s capability to rapidly deploy additional resources to the region.
The White House has reported the loss of 11 American lives in Israel, with several individuals still unaccounted for. Although officials have not verified the presence of Americans among the hostages, family members of four U.S. citizens have come forward, expressing concerns that their loved ones may have been taken to the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas.
In response to Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, Hamas has issued threats to initiate the execution of hostages.
The increased support to Israel is part of a broader U.S. effort following a sudden attack by Hamas fighters over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis. The brutality of the assault, which included the targeting of civilians and the abduction of elderly women and children, has been compared to ISIS-level savagery by U.S. defense officials.
Although specific details about the alerted special operations forces have not been disclosed, it has been suggested that they fall under the Joint Special Operations Command. The primary counterterrorism units historically involved in hostage rescue missions globally under this command include the Army’s Delta Force (officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta) and the Navy’s SEAL Team Six (Naval Special Warfare Development Group).
In the wake of the attack, the U.S. has initiated efforts to provide munitions and air defenses to Israel. The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, along with five guided-missile cruisers and destroyers, arrived off the coast of Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This deployment, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command, sends a robust signal of deterrence to any parties hostile to Israel.
To further bolster regional deterrence, the U.S. Air Force is expected to augment the carrier group. This deployment not only acts as a deterrent against potential threats from nations or militant groups like Iran or Hezbollah but also demonstrates the United States’ readiness to address contingencies while minimizing the risk of an escalating conflict that could destabilize the region.
The Pentagon is in communication with the U.S. defense industry to expedite pending Israeli orders for military equipment, as well as assessing available munitions from the U.S. inventory to assist Israel. This posture serves as a tangible demonstration of U.S. support for Israel’s defense, discouraging any regional actors from exploiting the current situation to escalate hostilities.
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SOURCE
https://themessenger.com/news/us-sends-special-operations-israel-hostage-rescue