Third wave of strikes: US hits 140 Iranian military targets

Third wave of strikes: US hits 140 Iranian military targets

Israel National News

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces launched a third round of strikes against Iran early Sunday morning, following an attack by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a CENTCOM statement, "US forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets with precision munitions launched by land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels. Targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations."

"During three nights of strikes this week, CENTCOM has struck more than 300 targets at the direction of the Commander in Chief to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait. Commercial vessel transits through the vital international maritime corridor continue," it added.

"Since early May, US forces have helped facilitate the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz."

An initial statement from CENTCOM, as the strikes began, said, “At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM stated.

“A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine-room damage."

CENTCOM added: “Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but has again failed."

“In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait."

“The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," the statement concluded.

A senior US official told Channel 12 News that the targeted sites include air-surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, missile and drone launch sites, maritime-surveillance radars, and surface-to-air missile launchers.