(CENTCOM) Forces have started a mine clearance mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on 11 April that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) had begun setting conditions for a mine clearance mission in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. CENTCOM forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations. Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, confirmed that the objective is to establish a secure maritime corridor for commercial shipping.

The strait is fully clear of sea mines

USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Related : The Strait of Hormuz has reopened (for a fee) to "non-hostile" vessels only.

Meanwhile, the White House recently announced that the US military operations have effectively neutralized Iran’s submarine force and destroyed scores of Iranian naval vessels, including 16 warship classes.

Encourage the free flow of commerce

“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,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days.

#Adm. Brad Cooper,#CENTCOM # U.S. Navy #Strait of Hormuz # secure maritime corridor #a mine clearance #USS Frank #Michael Murphy