Donald Trump orders US Navy to target boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump has warned that the United States will destroy any vessel suspected of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with Iran continue to rise over access to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump said he had ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” any small boats involved in placing mines in the waters of the Strait.

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote.

He further warned that there would be “no hesitation” in responding to any such activity, adding that U.S. mine-sweeping operations were already ongoing in the area to secure the waterway.

Central Post Nigeria reports that, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping route, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes daily. Any disruption to the passage is often seen as a major threat to global energy security and international trade.

AFP