Operation Sentinel

The United States has announced that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is developing a multinational maritime, codenamed Operation Sentinel to increase surveillance and security in key waterways in the Middle East.

Securing the Navigation

• The Middle East especially Arabian Gulf Region has become a bone of contention due to the US-Iran tensions.
• The US is instituting Operation Sentinel to promote maritime stability, ensure safe passage and de-escalate tensions in international waters throughout the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (BAM) and the Gulf of Oman.
• Operation Sentinel is a multinational maritime effort to ensure freedom of navigation in light of recent events in the Arabian Gulf region.
• Operation Sentinel will enable nations to provide escort to their flagged vessels while taking advantage of the cooperation of participating nations for coordination and enhanced maritime domain awareness and surveillance.

The US officials will be coordinating with allies and partners in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East on the details and capabilities required for Operation Sentinel to enable freedom of navigation in the region and protection of vital shipping lanes.