2023-11-27 03:15:00
US aircraft carrier in Strait of Hormuz to protect Israeli merchant ships
Washington: The US Navy said that the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower crossed the Strait of Hormuz and arrived in the Gulf to protect Israeli commercial ships. According to US Central Command X, the area is being patrolled to ensure ‘freedom of navigation’ for ships in major international waterways.
US Central Command added that guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and guided missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Statham are also conducting patrols.
International media reported that the US Navy is patrolling the maritime flashpoint following the attacks on two Israeli-bound vessels, the boxship CMA CGM Simi and a product tanker in the Central Bank, yesterday.
On Nov. 26, the Carrier Strike Group Eisenhower (IKECSG) completed a transit of the Strait of Hormuz to enter the waters of the Arabian Gulf as the Strike Group continues to support USCENTCOM missions.
While in the Arabian Gulf, the IKECSG are patrolling to ensure freedom of… pic.twitter.com/0GzRZQ7awM
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 26, 2023
And the US Navy has been patrolling key international waterways since August to deter Iranian groups including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and as part of defense efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, US sources said.
The Navy cited the patrols as preventing the targeting of merchant tankers, preventing Iran-backed groups in Syria and Iraq from targeting U.S. forces, and controlling the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters that US forces have faced 23 attacks from both countries and that the number of attacks has increased. At the same time, the media added that the press secretary did not inform about the increase in attacks.
Al-Mayadeen, an Arab news channel, reported that the attack on the ship took place just before the start of the cease-fire under the Israel-Hamas agreement on November 24.
Shahed – 136 drones attacked the ship. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported that there were no injuries to the ship’s crew.
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