Rapid Alerts

BERING SEA — The U.S. Coast Guard monitored the Chinese research ships Xue Long and Xue Long 2 as they transited north through the U.S. exclusive economic zone and over the U.S. extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea, marking the first Chinese vessels tracked in this area this year.

The Coast Guard cutter Munro executed Operation Frontier Sentinel to actively monitor the vessels during their northbound transit.

U.S. Finishes Latest Strikes Against Iran on July 20. U.S. forces struck Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems

Kuwaiti Air Defenses Currently Intercepting Missile, Drone Attacks. Kuwaiti Army: "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks".

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 15 in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 62 miles (100 km) north of Kismayo. The command released the statement on July 20.

The July 15 strike was the seventh airstrike AFRICOM announced against al-Shabaab in Somalia between July 3 and July 15, all conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

U.S. Central Command: “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully completed the ninth consecutive evening of strikes against Iran, July 19, at 10 p.m. ET.

CENTCOM assets targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance sites, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks to further diminish Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command: "CENTCOM began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran at 7 p.m. ET today for the ninth consecutive night. The strikes will continue degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz."

"U.S. Navy Sailors remain focused and vigilant aboard guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113), as American forces continue implementing the naval blockade against Iran. As of July 19, CENTCOM has redirected 6 commercial vessels and disabled 1 to ensure full compliance."

JORDAN — The Israel Defense Forces stated on July 19 that launches from Iran toward the city of Aqaba in Jordan, near the territory of the State of Israel, were identified.

The statement noted that there may be spills into Israeli territory as a result of the firing and that alerts may be activated in the south of the country.

JORDAN — On Sunday the U.S. Embassy Amman cited a specific and credible threat that prompted Jordanian authorities to evacuate the international airport and seaport in Aqaba, and strongly advised all Americans to refrain from travel to either facility.

It continues to advise Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan. The same day Jordan’s Minister of Government Communication and official government spokesperson Mohammad Al Momani announced that relevant authorities issued no evacuation decisions for Aqaba Airport or the seaport, that both facilities operate normally, and that no potential threats registered with competent Jordanian authorities in recent hours.

KUWAIT — On Sunday the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces stated that Kuwaiti air defenses are currently responding to hostile missile and drone threats following what it described as Iranian aggression.

The statement confirmed that any explosions heard result from interceptions of the incoming targets and directed the public to follow safety and security instructions from competent authorities.

U.S strikes, CENTCOM forces hit Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, maritime capabilities, and missile and drone storage sites.

MIDDLE EAST — The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution on July 18 advising Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution due to heightened tensions.

The alert states that the security environment remains complex with potential for unforeseen escalation, that U.S. diplomatic facilities including those outside the Middle East have been targeted, and that groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.

MIDDLE EAST — U.S. forces launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran beginning at 6 p.m. ET on July 18. The action followed the deaths of two U.S. service members in Jordan the previous day and occurs alongside continued naval blockade enforcement in the region.

CENTCOM reported that on July 17 two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action and one remains missing as U.S. and partner forces responded to Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.