CENTCOM says 100 commercial vessels have been redirected in Strait of Hormuz since naval blockade

U.S. Central Command announced Saturday that 100 commercial vessels have been redirected since the naval blockage in the Strait of Hormuz began.

According to CENTCOM, more than 15,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen have participated in the mission over the past six weeks, redirecting 100 vessels, disabling four others, and allowing 26 humanitarian aid ships to pass through.

The blockade was launched on April 13. In a statement, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper praised U.S. forces for carrying out the mission “with precision and professionalism,” saying the operation has effectively halted trade in and out of Iranian ports and increased economic pressure on Iran.

CENTCOM also said the effort is being backed by more than 200 aircraft and warships, including the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group/31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and multiple guided-missile destroyers.