U.S. Forces launch Mine clearance operation in Strait of Hormuz

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The U.S. Central Command has commenced operations to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying naval assets to secure one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

CENTCOM said two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), have transited the strait and are operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of the mission.

The operation is aimed at neutralising mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, with the goal of restoring safe navigation through the strategic waterway.

Commander of CENTCOM, Brad Cooper, said the operation marks the beginning of efforts to establish a secure maritime passage for global shipping.

“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital international trade corridor, handling a significant share of global oil shipments, making its security critical to global economic stability.

CENTCOM added that additional assets, including underwater drones, will be deployed in the coming days to support the mine clearance operation.