US naval task groups sail in formation in Mediterranean amid tension in Red Sea region
A task group led by the world's largest warship, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, has been sailing through the eastern Mediterranean alongside another group amid tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have been causing chaos to international trade routes.
The above images show vessels from the Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Greek navy frigate HS Navarinon in formation.
The groups are in the region in the interests of stability and security.
The ARG transited the Suez Canal from the Red Sea over the past week, and it is reported the USS Gerald R Ford will return for the United States.
The US and the UK are planning potential military strikes against Houthi targets, according to reports, after the US Navy sank three Houthi boats that had been targeting a container ship.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said Britain was prepared to take "direct action" against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels threatening the safety of merchant ships in the Red Sea.
In the Telegraph, Mr Shapps said the UK "won't hesitate to take further action to deter threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea".
The US has shot down several Houthi rebel targets as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new operation which began shortly before Christmas to deter attacks on cargo ships in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Prosperity Guardian already has the support of 20 countries.
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