A US Marine rapid response force is currently heading to the eastern Mediterranean Sea due to concerns about the war in Gaza potentially expanding into a regional war, CNN reported, citing two officials.

In recent weeks, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, on the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship, had been operating in Middle Eastern waters in recent weeks, but it began making its way into the Suez Canal late last week, according to officials.

The USS Bataan is presently located in the Red Sea and is anticipated to enter the eastern Mediterranean in the near future, as stated by one official.

According to CNN, this relocation will position the Marine unit in closer proximity to Lebanon and occupied Palestine, particularly as the US is advising its citizens to leave Lebanon.

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Earlier this week, the US Maritime Administration issued a notice on October 24 alerting all US vessels that the Red Sea area is no longer safe to navigate and cautioned them to be wary of potential missile or drone strikes if they penetrate the area. 

"There are reports that multiple drones and missiles were launched from Yemen into the Red Sea region on October 19, 2023. Exercise caution when transiting this area," the notice said, adding that the alert is effective from October 23-30.

Amid growing resentment towards the US for its efforts in aiding "Israel" in the war on Gaza, Yemeni Sanaa forces launched on October 19 three cruise missiles and multiple drones that were later intercepted by the US Navy destroyer Carney. 

The following day, CNN reported that the warship intercepted 15 drones and four cruise missiles over the span of nine hours.