Dozens of US commandos are currently present in "Israel" aiding the IOF amid the Israeli war on Gaza in a number of roles, according to US Assistant Secretary of Defense Christopher P. Maier.

According to the Pentagon official, the US commandos are currently "helping the Israelis to do a number of things," although the main task, according to Maier, was to help the occupation identify the Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance and their location.

Israeli media had earlier reported, on October 10, that US special forces were put on high alert in a nearby European country to take part in operations in Gaza to take back the captives.

Maier did not specify the number of US Special Operations forces currently operating in occupied Palestine, but other officials have said that the Pentagon has dispatched several dozen commandos.

The American military claims to have prepared 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened standby for potential deployment to "Israel". However, defense officials state that the forces are not intended to serve in combat roles and are tasked with advising and medical roles, but some could enter to support Israeli forces.

Two aircraft carrier groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower -- which include one missile cruiser, at least two destroyers, and dozens of aircraft including jet fighters alongside around 5,000 servicemen and women -- have already been sent to the region.

The USS Gerald R. Ford has reached the area, while US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to be sent there. 

US deploys anti-ballistic missile system

Austin confirmed on October 22 that the US would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system alongside additional Patriot battalions to "Israel".

In his statement, he said: "Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region … I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for US forces".

Austin ordered additional troops for standby "to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required."

An escalation in CENTCOM, which includes the Middle East, might happen in the "days ahead", the United States Department of Defense spokesperson, Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, told reporters on October 23.

US bases in Iraq and Syria have been under constant attack from Resistance forces in support of the Palestinian Resistance, amid the US' unwavering support for "Israel" and its massacres in Gaza.

Read more: US constructed secret military base in 'Israel': The Intercept