Trending Now - Underwater Drones Deployed to Tackle Mine Threats in Hormuz
WHO:
The Jerusalem Post - US Central Command (CENTCOM) is involved in the mine clearance operation.
The Jerusalem Post - Adm. Brad Cooper is the commander of CENTCOM.
San Diego Union-Tribune - President Trump has stated that removing the mines is essential for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
San Diego Union-Tribune - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle has commented on the capabilities of the littoral combat ships (LCS).
WHAT:
The Jerusalem Post - CENTCOM is deploying underwater drones to help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Jerusalem Post - The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas is transported.
The Jerusalem Post - Iran is estimated to have between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines.
San Diego Union-Tribune - The U.S. Navy's littoral combat ships have faced major mechanical and design problems, leading to early decommissioning of some vessels.
San Diego Union-Tribune - The Navy decommissioned four old Avenger-class minesweeper ships and replaced them with newer LCS equipped with mine countermeasure packages.
WHERE:
The Jerusalem Post - The operations are taking place in the Strait of Hormuz.
San Diego Union-Tribune - The San Diego-based warships are homeported in San Diego and were operating out of Bahrain.
WHEN:
The Jerusalem Post - The announcement of the mine clearance operation was made on April 13th, 2026.
San Diego Union-Tribune - The Navy decommissioned the four Avenger-class ships approximately six months prior to April 2026.
WHY:
The Jerusalem Post - The mine clearance is necessary to ensure the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
San Diego Union-Tribune - President Trump emphasized the importance of removing mines to reopen the strait, which is vital for nearly 25% of the world’s petroleum and crude oils.
HOW:
The Jerusalem Post - CENTCOM is using underwater drones and additional US forces to assist in the mine clearance effort.
The Jerusalem Post - The LCS can deploy MH-60S helicopters and unmanned service vehicles to detect and neutralize mines.
San Diego Union-Tribune - The LCS has faced challenges with its mine countermeasure systems, including difficulties in visually confirming mines.
(UPDATED April 13, 2026 05:49 UTC)
U.S. Central Command is currently leading a mine clearance operation in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil transport, with President Trump highlighting the importance of this effort for reopening the strait. The operation involves deploying underwater drones and additional U.S. forces, as well as utilizing littoral combat ships, which have faced mechanical issues but are equipped with mine countermeasure capabilities. The Navy decommissioned four older minesweeper ships about six months ago, replacing them with newer vessels to enhance their ability to ensure the free flow of commerce through this vital route.