On Saturday, the Pentagon announced that the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush will be moved from the North Arabian Sea to the Arabian Gulf in order to provide President Obama with "additional flexibility" in Iraq.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), which is an Al Qaeda splinter group, has been conducting an offensive in the western region of the country and threatening the stability of Baghdad.

As a result, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf sometime Saturday evening. According to Pentagon press secretary R. Adm. John Kirby, this order gives Obama "additional flexibility should military options be required to protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq," reports CNN.

Along with the air craft carrier, there will be a guided-missile cruiser and a guided-missile destroyer, said Kirby. The ships carry Tomahawk missiles, which could reach Iraq while the Bush is carrying fighter jets that could also easily get to Iraq, reports Fox News.

During a speech on Friday, Obama made it clear that he will would not send U.S. troops into combat and that any U.S. involvement would be limited. In turn, the embattled Iraqi government will have to develop a "political plan" and make a "sincere effort" to resolve sectarian battles.

According to a military spokesman, Iraq's military claimed Saturday that it had regained key northern territories from extremist Sunni Muslim militants and declared it remained strong against the radicals who have destabilized the country.

Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta said that most of Salaheddin province has returned to the control of Iraqi military. Meanwhile, security forces took over territory on the edges of Nineveh province.

"We emphasize that the circulation and incitement of rumors should be prohibited. This is the means which terrorists use to weaken the morale of soldiers and civilians," said Atta, who also accused the media of false reporting.

Atta added that the capital was safe on Saturday.

"The security situation in Baghdad is completely stable. The situation in Samarra is completely stable, and the troops are prepared for any terrorist plans," Atta said.