US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday after Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces were observed preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz, a US official told Al Arabiya English.
The official said US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed clearing sea mines from international shipping routes in the strait last week.
“US forces are monitoring the area closely and remain prepared to protect the free flow of commerce through this essential waterway,” the official added.
The IRGC said a US attack on Larak island on Sunday killed and wounded several Iranian fighters and civilians, and vowed to respond and punish those responsible.
The IRGC did not provide a precise casualty toll.
The IRGC said the attack killed and wounded several soldiers and citizens and would be met with a “response and punishment” from Tehran.
US President Donald Trump said last week that all mines had been detonated or removed from the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran has been told that any ship or boat placing new mines will be destroyed.
The last known US strikes on Iran were in late July as the war has reached a stalemate in recent weeks with Washington threatening to impose costly sanctions on countries that support Iran.
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 and Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and neighboring countries. The Iran war has now crossed its six-month mark.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions. Eighteen US service members have been killed in the conflict.
The war has led to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which before the conflict used to see a transit of about a fifth of the world’s oil barrels consumed.
Reuters
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