Internet holds its breath as US mobilizes Delta Force and Seal Team Six to aid IDF in rescue of hostages from Gaza
WASHINGTON, DC: In a rapidly evolving situation, the United States is standing firmly with its ally, Israel, as waves of Israeli Defense Force (IDF) reservists arrived at JFK airport in New York to bolster their efforts against Hamas.
At the heart of this collaboration, two senior US military officials told The Messenger that US special forces, often referred to as "door kickers," are on standby in a nearby European country, ready to assist Israel in the search for American hostages.
The Israeli death toll reportedly crossed 1,200 on Tuesday, October 10.
US special forces are ready
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, it is important to understand the role that US special forces are playing in the ongoing crisis.
The US special forces are currently on standby, and there is no confirmation that they will be sent to Israel. However, their proximity ensures that they can be rapidly deployed if needed.
The military officials have not disclosed which specific units are being readied, but they fall under the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a highly specialized and secretive branch of the US military.
Two prominent counterterrorism units under JSOC are the Army's Delta Force and the Navy's SEAL Team Six, famously known for their mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden.
Lloyd Austin, the US Defense Secretary, has emphasized the United States' commitment to aiding Israel in this time of crisis.
He revealed that US hostage negotiators have been dispatched to work alongside Israeli specialists, with the aim of ensuring the safety and release of American hostages.
Austin stated that the US has "people on the ground" who will assist Israeli authorities "with intelligence and planning" for potential hostage rescue efforts.
The collaborative effort extends to the US embassy in Tel Aviv, where a team is already in place and working closely with the US hostage negotiators.
Furthermore, the Pentagon has established a 'liaison cell' in Israel to enhance coordination with Israeli special operations forces. Austin added that the US has the capability to "rapidly deploy other resources into the region."
Internet reactions to the update
Social media was inundated with reactions to the update.
"Considering that American citizens died in the attack but are also being held hostage this move is expected," one user posted on X.
"Let's go Bravo Six, SEAL Team!" another wrote.
"This is what SEAL Team Six and Delta Force do. They rescue American hostages. My advice. Don't get in their way," someone else added.
"The big brains, the geniuses, have arrived to sort this out," another chimed in.
Considering that American citizens died in the attack but are also being held hostage this move is expected. 🇺🇸
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) October 10, 2023
This is what SEAL Team Six and Delta force do. They rescue American hostages. My advice. Don't get in there way.
— Tim Farage (@TimFarage) October 11, 2023
"Special forces soldiers from SEAL Team Six and Delta will be dispatched to Israel to find US hostages". https://t.co/0jpevQZxQi via https://t.co/bDjy7GeNXs
The big brains, the geniuses, have arrived to sort this out.
— Second City Bureaucrat (@CityBureaucrat) October 10, 2023
US naval power and deterrence
The US response to this crisis is not limited to special forces and negotiators. President Joe Biden has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting Israel by deploying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford along with five guided-missile cruisers and destroyers to the region.
General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla, who oversees US Central Command, described this deployment as a signal of deterrence to any potential hostile actors.
"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," he said.
Furthermore, the strike group accompanying the USS Gerald R Ford is capable of executing a broad range of missions, from intelligence collection to maritime dominance and long-range strike capabilities.
The US commitment also extends to the supply of arms to Israel and coordination with defense contractors to enhance production.
"These posture increases were intended to serve as an unequivocal demonstration in deed and not only in words of U.S. support for Israel's defense and serve as a deterrent signal to Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and any other proxy across the region who might be considering exploiting the current situation to escalate the conflict," a defense official said on Monday, October 10. "Those adversaries should think twice."
Israel's massive mobilization
In response to the ongoing crisis, Israel has called up a record number of over 300,000 reservists, marking a significant mobilization effort by the IDF.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to it as a 'massive attack' on the terror group Hamas.
The families of those who have been taken captive held a press conference in Tel Aviv to raise awareness about their loved one's situation.
The Biden administration has pledged to do everything within its power to bring the American hostages home safely.
While it is unclear whether this will involve negotiations with Hamas, the US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, emphasized their determination to secure the return of the hostages.
As the conflict continues, Israel has maintained its response with numerous airstrikes, while Hamas continues to launch rockets. The situation remains fluid, and both Israel and the United States are closely monitoring developments.