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U.S. Central Command posted a statement to X on Sunday confirming that its forces will begin supporting “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz at the direction of President Donald Trump, beginning on Monday.
“Our support for this defensive mission is essential to regional security and the global economy as we also maintain the naval blockade,” Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said in the statement.
The mission is intended “to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said.
The U.S. military role will be to extend a U.S. defensive umbrella over ships seeking to leave or enter the Strait of Hormuz, a U.S. official told ABC News. Project Freedom is not about providing escorts to ships, the official said.
“U.S. military support to Project Freedom will include guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members,” CENTCOM said in its statement.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations. (U.S. Central Command Photo)
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hunnisett/U.S. Central Command Public Affairs
-ABC News’ Lauren Minore and Luis Martinez
