SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

U.S. Navy spokesman Lt. Patrick Foughty said the the USS Mount Whitney, a 620-foot command and control flagship for the U.S. Navy's 6th Fleet, is in the region "to support additional communications requirements for our ships already underway", Israel's military intelligence reporting service DEBKAfile said Sunday.

The naval destroyer USS Cole and the Nimitz class supercarrier USS Harry Truman patrolled the waters of the Mediterranean near Lebanon last week.

DEBKAfile sites unnamed military observers saying the naval buildup is part of a short, specific U.S. naval operation. Foughty said there are no plans to keep the Mount Whitney near Lebanon for very long.

Lebanon has experienced an outbreak of violence pitting Hezbollah against the western-backed government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora.

 BREAKING STORIES

U.S. Embassy Appeals for Information on Americans Missing in Lebanon

Syria drops bid for IAEA

Russian ships head for Syria, Caribbean

Syria encouraged by U.S. talks

Blast kills half-dozen in Lebanon

Tibi has impromptu meeting with al-Moallem

Claim: Syria to occupy Lebanese city

Sources: Russian warships in Syrian port

Official: Syria ready for direct U.S. talk

Jordan: Iraqi cholera outbreak feared

Belgian killed in mine accident

Sarkozy warns against Iranian nukes

Sources: Hezbollah has advanced missiles

Lebanon complains of Israeli threats

Gen. Petraeus makes surprise Lebanon visit

U.N. sets Hezbollah contingency plans

Syrian general's slaying raises questions

Assad: No new offers on Iran nuke standoff

Assad in Iran for diplomatic talks

British soldiers acquitted in Cyprus