US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered an aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf. This is in case Washington decides to pursue a military option to protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq.
The Pentagon said in a statement on Saturday that the carrier USS George H.W. Bush is moving from the North Arabian Sea. It will be accompanied by a cruiser and a destroyer. The ships are expected to complete their transit into the Gulf later on Saturday.
President Barack Obama said on Friday that he needed several days to determine how the US would help Iraq deal with the insurgency. But he ruled out sending US troops back into combat.
He stressed that any intervention would be contingent on Iraqi leaders becoming more involved. The Pentagon is preparing a range of options for Obama, including air strikes.
