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US Destroys 44 Iranian Mine-Layers to Keep Hormuz Strait Open

U.S. military officials state they have destroyed 44 Iranian mine-laying vessels to prevent Iran from mining the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. General Dan Caine emphasized ongoing operations to target Iranian naval assets and storage facilities. The U.S. has deployed A-10 Warthog aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters to hunt Iranian vessels in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the U.S. campaign remains on plan, with the conflict's end timeline resting with President Trump.

Key Points: US Destroys Iranian Mine-Layers in Hormuz Strait

  • US destroyed 44 Iranian mine-layers
  • A-10 Warthogs deployed in Straits of Hormuz
  • AH-64 Apaches join the fight
  • Goal is to prevent blockade of key oil route
2 min read

US destroying Iranian mine-laying vessels to prevent chokehold on Hormuz Strait, say military officials

US military reports destroying 44 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the Hormuz Strait to prevent a maritime chokehold, deploying A-10s and Apaches.

"We continue to hunt and kill... 44 mine layers and the pressure will continue. - Gen. Dan Caine"

Washington DC, March 20

As the conflict in West Asia and the Gulf is in its third week, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at the Pentagon that the United States had destroyed 44 mine-laying Iranian vessels, thus deterring Iran's capabilities to mine the strait.

Underlining how the US CENTCOM continues to achieve its military objectives, Gen Dan Caine said, " We continue to hunt and kill mine storage facilities and naval ammunition depots. We continue to hunt and kill afloat assets, including more than 120 vessels and 44 mine layers and the pressure will continue."

He further said that the A-10 Warthog has also been deployed along with AH-64 Apaches to "hunt and kill" Iranian vessels in the Straits of Hormuz.

He said, "The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank and is hunting and killing fast attack watercraft in the Straits of Hormuz. In addition, AH-64 Apaches have joined the fight on the southern flank, and they continue to work on the southern side."

As per ABC News, the A-10 has been in service since the 1970s and is the Air Force's workhorse that provides close air support, able to attack enemy forces within close proximity of U.S. troops. With its signature weapon being a 30mm chain gun, a massive automatic weapon able to fire up to 4,200 rounds per minute, according to General Dynamics, the weapon's manufacturer.

ABC News reported citing a US Navy spokesperson that two of the Navy's three warships with counter-mine capabilities that are based in the Middle East, usually stationed in Bahrain, were in a different theater for scheduled maintenance on Wednesday,

Citing military experts, it added that Marines who are deploying to the region could take part in ground raids to target assets, such as missile and drone depots, along Iran's coasts that could otherwise be troublesome for U.S. and commercial vessels.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said the United States remains "on plan" in its war against Iran but declined to provide a definitive timeline for when the conflict would end, stressing that the final decision would rest with President Donald Trump.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need to keep sea lanes open, the language used - "hunt and kill" - is very aggressive. It feels like they're treating this like a video game, not a real conflict with real consequences for millions.
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Arjun K
Our government must tread carefully. We have good relations with both the US and Iran. We depend on Iranian oil and the US for defense partnerships. This is a tightrope walk for Indian diplomacy.
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Sarah B
Deploying the A-10 Warthog is a serious move. That plane is built for destroying tanks. Using it against small boats shows the level of force the US is willing to apply. Hope it doesn't spiral out of control.
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Vikram M
The timing is suspicious. Two of their mine-countering ships are away for maintenance? Sounds like an excuse. The US has been looking for a reason to hit Iranian naval assets for years. This was planned.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, my primary concern is the safety of our sailors and vessels in the region. We have a huge diaspora in the Gulf and vital trade routes. Stability is paramount. No one wins in a war.
M
Michael C
The article mentions ground raids by Marines on Iranian coast. That would be a massive escalation

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