11.   The ships include carriers, amphibious ships, guided missile cruisers and guided missile destroyers that are capable of responding to threats from the air and sea.

12.   Three airlines, including national carrier SriLankan Airlines, have slashed the war risk surcharge levied on airfares to the island, airline officials said Thursday.

13.   Apart from Singapore Airlines, the SIA group includes regional carrier SilkAir, investment arm Auspice, Singapore Airport Terminal Services and SIA Engineering.

14.   There also are US forces aboard US Navy ships in the Gulf, including the carrier USS Carl Vinson.