Washington, March 18 (NationPress) - Recent operations by US military forces have targeted Iranian missile installations situated along the critical Strait of Hormuz. These strikes, described by military officials as addressing a direct threat to global shipping, are part of the escalating Operation Epic Fury.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the operation involved the use of “multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions” aimed at “hardened Iranian missile facilities along the coastline.” Furthermore, CENTCOM highlighted that the Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles present at these sites posed a significant risk to maritime safety in the strait.

This latest military action represents a notable escalation in the maritime aspect of the ongoing operation, positioning the strategic waterway as a central hub of US military engagement.

CENTCOM stated, “US Navy aviators have conducted hundreds of combat missions during Operation Epic Fury, showcasing America’s unmatched capacity for establishing air superiority from the sea.”

According to a fact sheet issued just a day prior, since the campaign commenced on February 28, following the directive of the President, the mission has aimed to “disrupt the Iranian regime’s security framework, emphasizing regions that present an immediate threat.” To date, over 7,000 targets have been struck.

More than 100 Iranian vessels have been reported as “damaged or destroyed,” and US forces have conducted upwards of 6,500 combat flights.

The targets have included a broad array of military infrastructure, spanning from “ballistic missile facilities” and “anti-ship missile installations” to “IRGC headquarters,” “integrated air defense systems,” and “military communication networks.”

The operation has utilized extensive US military resources across multiple domains. Key assets include B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, advanced fighter jets such as F-22 and F-35, as well as surveillance aircraft and attack drones. Naval deployments feature nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.

On land, systems like Patriot and THAAD missile defenses, rocket artillery, and counter-drone technologies have been deployed, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the campaign.

The emphasis on anti-ship missile installations reflects increasing apprehension regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies. Disruptions in this corridor could have serious consequences for international trade and oil markets.