At least 10 civilian sailors have died as a result of the escalation of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This was stated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a briefing with journalists at the White House, CNN reports, according to UNN.
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According to the Secretary of State, civilian sailors found themselves in extremely difficult conditions due to the hostilities in the region.
"They are isolated, they are starving, they are vulnerable, and as a result of this, at least 10 sailors, civilian sailors, have died,"
He also emphasized that the U.S. continues to respond to threats against its forces in the region.
U.S. expands protection of shipping
Rubio stated that the U.S. military will continue to strike targets that pose a danger, including drones and fast boats.
"If no shots are fired at these ships, and no shots are fired at us, we will not fire, but if we are fired upon, we will respond,"
According to him, the U.S. is also deploying additional resources to strengthen the protection of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, American forces have already destroyed seven Iranian fast boats in the area.