ISTANBUL

A US warship and several merchant vessels have been attacked in the Red Sea, the Pentagon announced Sunday.

"We're aware of reports regarding attacks on the USS Carney and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and will provide information as it becomes available," the Pentagon told the Associated Press.

This represents a "major escalation" in a series of maritime attacks in the Middle East associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas, according to the same source.

The Pentagon did not specify the location from which the attack is believed to have originated.