The American Navy announced that another U.S assault ship has entered the middle east.

According to the statement, which was published on Monday, June 24, USS Boxer along with the amphibious transport dock U.S.S. John P. Murtha and the amphibious dock landing ship U.S.S. Harpers Ferry joined the 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility in Bahrain.

The U.S Navy has not disclosed the exact location of these ships.

According to an Asharq Al-Awsat report, the USS Boxer carries the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well as a combat helicopter squadron. It came from the Indian Ocean after leaving San Diego on May 1.

Over a month ago, the United States had sent USS Abraham Lincoln along with quick response bombers to the region, but it was announced that the warship will not enter the Persian Gulf in order to avoid conflict. According to John Bolton, the White House National Security Adviser, these forces were deployed in response to threats from the Islamic Republic.

Pentagon also announced the deployment of 1000 troops to the middle east to protect American forces in the region.

After the escalation of tensions in the region due to the shooting down of an American drone by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (ITGC) and attacks on several tankers in recent months, on Monday, June 24, President Trump announced on Twitter that China and Japan must protect their ships themselves. Tehran denies any role in the attack against the tankers.