US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that US forces under its operational authority successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea between June 21 and 22. It was determined that these systems presented an imminent threat to US, coalition...
US Central Command (CENTCOM) and UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) have both reported an incident wherein a commercial vessel suffered damage after being struck by missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Tuesday, May 28. The attack occurred between 12:05 and 13:40 local time on...
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that a commercial tanker transiting the Red Sea was struck by an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group on Saturday, May 18. CENTCOM officials said the Panamanian-flagged and Greek-owned and -operated Wind most recently...
https://www.bairdmaritime.com/shipping/tankers/china-bound-tanker-damaged-in-houthi-missile-strike/
Cyclone-class coastal patrol ships assigned to Patrol Coastal Squadron 1 (PCRON 1) sail in formation during a divisional tactics exercise in 2014. US Navy Photo
The U.S. Navy decommissioned the last two Cyclone-class patrol ship at Naval Support Activity Bahrain last month, bringing the almost three-decade-long service of the PCs to an end. The Cyclones that have patrolled in and out of the Persian Gulf are set for foreign service. Over the last two years, the remaining PCs have been transferred...
Pacific Zircon Image via Vessel Finder
Officials in U.S. Central Command and Israel are blaming Iran for a Tuesday attack on an oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire off the coast of Oman.
Tanker Pacific Zircon, was 150 miles off the coast of Oman when it was hit with what U.S. officials said was an unmanned aerial vehicle at about 3:30 p.m. local time, according to the shipping company.
“We are in communication with the vessel and there is no reports of injuries or pollution. All crew are...
https://news.usni.org/2022/11/16/u-s-blames-iran-for-drone-attack-on-tanker-near-oman
The following is the June 15, 2022, Congressional Research Service report, Middle East and North Africa: Implications of 2022 Russia-Ukraine War.
From the report
The 117th Congress is examining the global implications of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing war while considering Ukraine-related legislation and FY2023 authorization and appropriations proposals, and conducting oversight of Biden Administration policies. This report provides information and analysis on the...
Gen. Kenneth McKenzie commander, U.S. Central Command, provides testimony at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on ending the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. on Sept. 29, 2021. DoD Photo
The U.S. is gathering over-the-horizon intelligence on terrorist activities in Afghanistan but hasn’t made a strike against ISIS-K and al Qaeda, the head of U.S. Central Command told a Senate panel said.
Marine Corps Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said Tuesday in...
U.S. Central Command Photo
A one-way, explosive-laden drone made in Iran attacked an Israeli-operated merchant tanker last week off the coast of Oman, U.S. Central Command said on Friday.
The delta-wing drone, similar in design to long-range unidentified, unmanned “kamikaze” drones developed for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, flew into the pilothouse of the Merchant tanker Mercer Street on July 30, killing two crewmembers, according to a report from CENTCOM.
“This [unmanned aerial vehicle]...
Vice Adm. Jim Malloy, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) delivers remarks during the hybrid change of command on board Naval Support Activity Bahrain on Aug. 19, 2020. US Navy Photo
A new commander has taken charge of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to simmer.
On Wednesday, newly promoted Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo took charge of U.S. 5th Fleet from Vice Adm. James Malloy in a change of...
U.S. Secretary of the Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper speaks to reporters during an on record press gaggle at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2019. DoD Photo
THE PENTAGON – American forces are willing to provide allies with intelligence on potential maritime threats in the Middle East, but countries will need to bring their own escorts, defense officials told USNI News on Wednesday.
Operation Sentinel is the emerging U.S. Central Command plan to keep merchant traffic in the Middle East...