American officials have said that the Pentagon is sending two warships toward the coast of Libya, the Associated Press reports. Earlier, the US announced it was sending 50 Marines to Libya to reinforce security at American diplomatic facilities.

The move comes in the aftermath of an attack on US the consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi that killed the US ambassador to Libya and three members of his staff.

The USS Laboon moved to a position off the coast Wednesday, and the USS McFaul is en route to arrive to its destination within days. Sources say that the vessels are equipped with Tomahawk missiles but are not scheduled for deployment yet, giving the commanders flexibility to respond to any mission ordered by President Obama.