CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins, in a statement to the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, reiterated US claims that Iran does not have control over the Strait of Hormuz. Hawkins stated that the US military has facilitated the transport of approximately 900 million barrels of crude oil by commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of May. Spokesperson Hawkins said, "Maritime traffic continues to flow in the Strait of Hormuz. For months, we have helped facilitate the passage of commercial vessels carrying cargo and crude oil."
The CENTCOM spokesperson argued that the US military acts in strict adherence to international humanitarian law, claiming that only "military targets" were struck in attacks against Iran. When asked about reports that Iranian civilians were killed in US strikes, Hawkins stated, "Unlike Iran and specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), we have never targeted civilians during our operations."
"We are closely monitoring Yemen, military advisors are on the ground"
Hawkins also stated that the ongoing clashes in Yemen between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces are being "closely monitored." Expressing that the US has long had a strong military relationship with Saudi Arabia, Hawkins said this cooperation is also evident in developments on the ground.
Hawkins noted that US military advisors are serving on the ground and providing planning support as well as intelligence sharing with their Saudi partners.
News Source: 12punto
