CENTCOM to Al Jazeera: U.S. advisers are helping Saudi partners in Yemen — blockade of Iranian ports “ironclad”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has given a series of statements to Al Jazeera about the war in Yemen and the blockade on Iran, asserting that the U.S. military is “closely monitoring” the fighting in Yemen.

CENTCOM spokesman Tim Hawkins said the U.S. has “a long and strong military relationship with our Saudi partners and we continue to support them in different ways.” According to him, the U.S. has advisers on the ground who share information and provide planning support for Saudi partners, although they are not involved in direct combat.

Asked about U.S. strikes that Iranian authorities say killed civilians, Hawkins said: “We have never targeted civilians in our operations, and this is in complete contrast to what Iran does. We strictly adhere to the laws of armed conflict and make great efforts to avoid civilian casualties.”

On the blockade of Iranian ports, Hawkins described it as “ironclad”: “The blockade is very effective. We have redirected more than 100 ships that were trying to violate the blockade.” This comes a day after CENTCOM announced it had redirected a total of 103 merchant ships to “ensure enforcement” of the blockade.

Hawkins also said the main, internationally recognized traffic lanes in the Strait of Hormuz remain clear of Iranian mines: “We stay present and vigilant to ensure those lanes remain clear. The strait is open and commercial traffic continues to flow.” According to him, U.S. forces have helped the passage of 900 million barrels of oil through the strait in recent months.

The statements come at a time when fighting in Yemen has escalated significantly, with the Houthis having taken control of the Red Sea coast and Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, counterattacking near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Source: Al Jazeera