US Defence Minister Chuck Hagel dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Gulf after militants made advances in Iraq, the Pentagon says, dpa reported. The relocation of the USS George HW Bush will give President Barack Obama additional flexibility if military options are required to protect US citizens and interests in Iraq, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby says. The aircraft carrier is now in the Arabian Sea and should reach the Gulf by late Saturday, Kirby said. It is being accompanied by a cruiser and destroyer. -- SPA 21:29 LOCAL TIME 18:29 GMT تغريد