Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Tuesday that at least 10 crew members have already died ahead of the arrival of President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom,” describing stranded crew members as vulnerable and isolated as tensions escalate.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Rubio also outlined the administration’s justification for the operation, emphasizing that U.S. forces are acting defensively.
“They’re sitting ducks, they’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable,” Rubio said of the crew members stranded for weeks.
“And at least 10 sailors have already died as a result of the civilian sailors,” he added.
“Under this president, under President Trump, the United States will help our friends,” he added.
“We’re going to stand up to rogue regimes like the one in Tehran, and we’re going to be unashamed to use our power and our abilities to project military power in the service of our national interest, above all else,” he said, highlighting the defensive nature of the U.S. action in the strait.
“There’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first. We’re not attacking them, but if they are attacking us,” he said.
“We’ll shoot down drones, we’ll shoot down missiles. But it’s defensive in nature. This is defensive. This is a defensive operation, and that’s what’s occurring here,” Rubio added.
Fox News
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