U.S. Central Command posted a press release to X on Sunday confirming that its forces will start supporting “Challenge Freedom” within the Strait of Hormuz on the route of President Donald Trump, starting on Monday.
“Our assist for this defensive mission is crucial to regional safety and the worldwide economic system as we additionally keep the naval blockade,” Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, mentioned within the assertion.
The mission is meant “to revive freedom of navigation for business delivery by way of the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM mentioned.
The U.S. army function can be to increase a U.S. defensive umbrella over ships looking for to go away or enter the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official informed ABC Information. Challenge Freedom shouldn’t be about offering escorts to ships, the official mentioned.
“U.S. army assist to Challenge Freedom will embrace guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based plane, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members,” CENTCOM mentioned in its assertion.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces started setting situations for clearing mines within the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers performed operations. (U.S. Central Command Photograph)
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hunnisett/U.S. Central Command Public Affairs
-ABC Information’ Lauren Minore and Luis Martinez
