Hundreds of foreign detainees suspected of terrorist ties will get their first formal opportunity to argue for their release at review panels that the US military is preparing in coming days at its base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Some Guantanamo Bay detainees deemed not to pose a security threat could be released without first having access to civilian courts, a US Defence spokesman said.

An American warship has left the US and is steaming towards the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

President Bush, pouring over options for war, may call up 30,000 to 50,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve to active duty in the next few days, a defence official said.