220516-N-TT059-1005 GULF OF OMAN (May 16, 2022) An MH-60R Seahawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35, Detachment 1, provides aerial support to an interdiction team from guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) approaching a fishing vessel May 16. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lily Gebauer)
On July 5, the Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) announced that it will begin rewarding individuals for providing information that leads to the detection of “illegal maritime activity” and seizure of “illicit cargo” in waters across the Middle East.
In a statement, the command said that this is the first time such a program is established to reward individuals who report information that meets specific criteria under the Department of Defense Rewards Program.
“Launching this program represents another example of our commitment to this region and its security,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “This also enhances our vigilance and supports counterterrorism efforts, which are essential to safeguarding the free flow of commerce.”
NAVCENT said that it could reward a maximum $100,000 for information or nonlethal assistance that supports counterterrorism operations or leads US naval forces to seize illicit cargo such as illegal weapons or narcotics.
The command noted in its announcement that the reward can also be non-monetary and include items like boats, vehicles, food or equipment.
While NAVCENT didn’t set clear targets for its reward program, many observers speculated that the program is meant to minimize Iran’s ability to ship advanced weapons to its allies in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and possibly the Gaza Strip via naval routs.
The US Navy has already seized a number Iranian weapons shipments which were supposedly heading to the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen.
In order to counter Iran’s naval influence in the Middle East, the US is not only offering awards but also seeking help from some of its closest allies. On July 7, the Royal Navy announced that it had seized Iranian weapons, including cruise missiles and anti-aircraft missiles, from speedboats being operated by smugglers in the Arabian Sea in cooperation with the US Navy.
- Houthis Say 17 People In Yemen’s Saada Were Killed Or Wounded By Saudi Border Guards
- Royal Navy Says It Seized Smuggled Iranian Missiles In Arabian Sea (Photos)
Mossad and CIA intelligence failing once again. Let’s make up a story and split the cut, they’ll probably believe it since they’re so desperate
Why can t the S 400 protect bases from himars hits?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Why dont they go home and do something for their drug addicts in Philadelphia?