In response to the kidnapping of over 200 hostages during Hamas’s cross-border attack on October 7, American commandos are actively working alongside Israeli counterparts to locate and identify the hostages, including American citizens, according to Christopher P. Maier, an assistant secretary of defense. While Mr. Maier did not disclose the exact number of U.S. Special Operations forces in Israel, several dozen commandos have been deployed recently, augmenting a small team that was already in Israel for pre-scheduled training on the day of the attack.
These U.S. Special Operations forces are not engaged in combat roles but are collaborating closely with Israeli officials, including the F.B.I., State Department, and other U.S. government specialists, to facilitate discussions and advise on complex operations, particularly concerning the potential ground invasion of Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin II has emphasized the importance of careful considerations due to Hamas’s intricate tunnel network beneath densely populated areas in Gaza.
Additionally, various Western countries have discreetly deployed small special forces teams near Israel to assist in potential rescue operations and large-scale evacuations of their citizens from Israel or Lebanon if necessary. U.S. Special Operations forces in the region are also prepared to assist American citizens in leaving affected areas and ensuring the security of U.S. embassies.
The situation remains fluid, with international cooperation at the forefront of efforts to address this critical hostage crisis.
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