The US military is currently carrying out the “Project Freedom” operation in the Hormuz Strait to assist stranded merchant ships. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined this operation at a press conference held at the Pentagon on Tuesday (May 5th). He stated that commercial ships passing through the region will see, hear, and feel the US military conducting operations around them.
General Caine explained the necessity of the US military’s “Project Freedom” operation during the press conference. He said that in the past seven weeks, Iran has “repeatedly threatened and attacked commercial ships,” and “Iran is weaponizing the global supply chain” in an attempt to “hold the entire global economy hostage.”
Currently, 22,500 sailors on 1550 merchant ships are stranded in the Persian Gulf, unable to pass through.
To help ensure the safe passage of the stranded vessels, Caine stated that the US Central Command has established a security zone on the southern side of the Hormuz Strait. “Currently, this area is jointly protected by US land, sea, and air forces to thwart further Iranian aggression against commercial ships.”
“On the surface, missile destroyers and other warships are detecting and repelling Iranian threats, including fast boats and one-way attack drones,” Caine further explained the US military’s actions, “In the air, more than 100 fighter jets, attack aircraft, manned and unmanned drones coordinated by the 82nd Airborne Division patrol the sky 24/7 to provide defense surveillance for this enhanced security zone.”
“Commercial ships passing through the region will see, hear, and frankly, feel the US military operations around them,” said Caine.
During the press conference, General Caine highly praised the US 82nd Airborne Division, stating that they are utilizing “next-generation tactical networks” and seamless coordination of operations to support the “Project Freedom” mission.
“They (the 82nd Airborne Division) go all out every day with incredible courage, resilience, and perseverance – whenever the nation calls, they respond promptly,” he said.
Caine emphasized that the US has conducted significant military deployments in the Hormuz Strait to restore free trade, but the blockade against Iran continues. He also noted that over 15,000 US military personnel are involved in the “Project Freedom” operation.
Caine stated that in addition to the “Project Freedom” operation, the US military is “ready to resume large-scale combat operations against Iran upon receiving orders.”
“No adversary should misinterpret our current restraint as a lack of resolve,” he added.