US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper has announced that US forces have cleared Iranian sea mines from the internationally recognised shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing the routes to remain open to commercial traffic.
Admiral Cooper said the mines had been laid months ago by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and were cleared through operations involving US Navy divers, Navy SEALs and air power from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. He described the operation as extremely challenging and dangerous.
US forces have facilitated the safe passage of nearly 1,500 commercial vessels through the Strait over the past several months, carrying approximately 750 million barrels of crude oil to global markets under US protection.
Around 50,000 US troops and personnel are involved in this operation including on the blockade of Iranian ports. Admiral Cooper said that since the blockade was resumed in mid-July, no ships have entered or left Iranian ports without US permission, except for vessels allowed through on humanitarian grounds. US forces have turned back approximately 75 vessels attempting to breach the blockade and disabled three vessels that refused to comply with US instructions.
More than 20 US warships and hundreds of aircraft have been involved in the operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Cooper praised the dedication and professionalism of the US sailors, Marines and airmen involved in maintaining the shipping corridor and enforcing the blockade.
“Today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building,” Cooper said.
Newsroom
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