US Central Command Starts Strait of Hormuz Navigation Mission, Deploys Destroyers and Fighter Jets
Summary
- US Central Command said it has begun support for a "Freedom of Navigation" mission to restore commercial shipping and freedom of maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane that carries about 25%% of global seaborne crude oil flows, with rising tensions there heightening concerns over global energy supplies.
- Commander Brad Cooper said support for the defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy, and that the US will pursue both maintaining the maritime blockade and supporting the restoration of freedom of navigation.
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US Central Command said it has begun support operations for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X on May 3, CENTCOM said it was starting support for a "Freedom of Navigation" mission aimed at restoring commercial shipping and freedom of maritime transport through the strait. The operation is being carried out under the direction of President Donald Trump.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane that handles about 25% of global seaborne crude oil flows. It also plays an important role in transporting fuel and fertilizer products. Tensions in the waterway have risen following recent clashes between the US and Iran, heightening concerns over global energy supplies.
Gen. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said support for the defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy. The US will maintain the maritime blockade while supporting efforts to restore freedom of navigation, he added.
The operation will involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, unmanned platforms and about 15,000 troops.
Suehyeon Lee
shlee@bloomingbit.ioI'm reporter Suehyeon Lee, your Web3 Moderator.
