ISTANBUL

The USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group has departed Norfolk, Virginia, and is heading to the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, a move that could raise the number of US carriers in the region to three, ABC News reported Saturday, citing US officials.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups remain deployed in support of US operations in the Middle East, according to the broadcaster.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are currently deployed in support of operations in the Middle East. However, the Ford is presently in Crete, undergoing repairs after a recent onboard fire.