Feb. 6, 2024

CENTCOM Launches Tech Residency Program

TAMPA, Fla. — In January, U.S. Central Command kicked off the "CENTCOM Tech Residency" Program, which creates a pathway for exceptional tech talent to join the Command on a non-permanent basis. The Tech Residency program will run for 90-180 day cycles, allowing technical experts to embed with the Command to solve select technical challenges. CENTCOM's inaugural Tech Resident is Mr. Egon Rinderer. Mr. Rinderer brings significant technical expertise from his leadership positions across multiple cutting-edge technology companies, including Shift5, Tanium, and Intel Corp. He will focus on a select set of operational challenges related to data integration and enhanced analytics.

Feb. 2, 2024

USCENTCOM Commander's statement on U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria

"Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and Iranian affiliated militia groups continue to represent a direct threat to the stability of Iraq, the region, and the safety of Americans. We will continue to take action, do whatever is necessary to protect our people, and hold those responsible who threaten their safety." -Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, US CENTCOM Commander.

Jan. 12, 2024

Two U.S. Navy Sailors missing off the coast of Somalia

On the evening of January 11, two U.S. Navy Sailors were reported missing at sea while conducting operations off the coast of Somalia. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing to locate the two sailors. For operational security purposes, we will not release additional information until the personnel recovery operation is complete.

Jan. 11, 2024

US CENTCOM Statement on 27th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden

On Jan. 11 at approximately 2 a.m. (Sanaa time), the Iranian-backed Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden. One commercial vessel reported visually observing the missile impact the water; however, there were no injuries or damage reported. This is the 27th Houthi attack on international shipping since Nov 19.

Jan. 9, 2024

US CENTCOM Statement on 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea

On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea, towards international shipping lanes where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting. 

Dec. 31, 2023

Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attack merchant vessel and U.S. Navy helicopters in Southern Red Sea

TAMPA, Fla. — On Dec. 31 at 6:30am (Sanaa time) the container ship MAERSK HANGZHOU issued a second distress call in less than 24 hours reporting being under attack by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats. The small boats, originating from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, fired crew served and small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANGZHOU, getting to within 20 meters of the vessel, and attempted to board the vessel. A contract embarked security team on the MAERSK HANZGHOU returned fire. U.S. helicopters from the USS EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and GRAVELY (DDG 107) responded to the distress call and in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats, the small boats fired upon the U.S. helicopters with crew served weapons and small arms. The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews. The fourth boat fled the area. There was no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment.

Dec. 14, 2023

CENTCOM Statement of the attack on the M/V Maersk Gibraltar

TAMPA, Fla. - Midday Dec. 14 (Sanaa time), a ballistic missile was fired from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen toward the international shipping lane north of the Bab-el-Mandeb. There were no injuries or damage. Following the missile launch, the M/V Maersk Gibraltar was hailed by the Houthis, who threatened further missile attacks. The M/V Maersk Gibraltar is a Hong Kong-flagged cargo container vessel. While this incident did not involve US Forces, we continue to closely monitor the situation. These attacks continue to threaten international maritime security.

Dec. 14, 2023

CENTCOM Statement of the attack on the Ardmore Encounter

TAMPA, Fla. - At approximately 0830 (Sanaa time) on December 13, in the southern Red Sea, the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) was responding to a mayday call from the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Motor Vessel Ardmore Encounter, which was under attack from Houthi forces. These forces first attempted to board the tanker via skiffs. When this was unsuccessful, a pair of missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen at the vessel, which both missed. While responding to the distress call, the Mason shot down an unmanned aerial vehicle also launched from Houthi-controlled areas. The UAV was heading directly towards the Mason and was shot down in self-defense. There were no injuries to personnel and no damage to any vessels. The Ardmore Encounter was able to proceed without further incident.

Dec. 11, 2023

CENTCOM Statement on missile attack in the Bab-el-Mandeb

At around 4 p.m. EST on December 11, the Motor Tanker STRINDA was attacked by what is assessed to have been an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb. The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time. There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance.

Dec. 5, 2023

Rockets targeted a U.S. base in Syria

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Dec. 3, 15 122mm rockets originating in Iraq were fired at the U.S. base Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria. There were no injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin with uncrewed ISR assets and passed the location to Iraqi Security Forces who moved to and investigated the site. A fuel truck modified to launch up to 20 rockets was located at the site.