U.S. Strikes Iranian Rocket Launchers Near Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces have struck Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first military action in the area in a month, a U.S. official said Sunday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations, said troops from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps were seen preparing to launch rockets carrying sea mines into the strait. In response, U.S. forces targeted the launchers. Semiofficial Iranian news outlets reported sounds of explosions near Larak Island, which sits in the strait. The U.S. military completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes last week. Iran’s state broadcaster carried a statement from the Guard confirming casualties, saying “the martyrdom and injury of several of our fighters and compatriots.” The statement added that the attack will “result in punishment of the aggressor.” Toropin reported from Nuremberg, Germany.