May 4, 2026: U.S. Apache Gunships Destroy Six Iranian Speedboats in Strait of Hormuz
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| AH-64 Apache helicopters patrol the Strait of Hormuz. |
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that Army AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships destroyed six Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy fast attack craft after they threatened vessels during Project Freedom operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials described the action as conducted in self defense under standing maritime rules of engagement. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the boats posed a direct threat to commercial shipping, a critical global energy transit corridor. U.S. Navy warships also intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones targeting vessels in the area, supported by persistent ISR coverage.
The engagement occurred as the United States initiated Project Freedom, announced by President Trump, to escort stranded neutral merchant ships through what officials describe as an effective Iranian blockade. CENTCOM reported that two U.S. flagged vessels transited the strait under guided missile destroyer escort. The operation includes more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 personnel. Officials rejected Iranian claims of striking a U.S. warship near Jask, stating that no vessels were hit.
The IRGC maintains a “mosquito fleet” of small, high speed boats used for swarming, harassment, and mine laying, many of which survived earlier U.S. strikes. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), in its May 3 update, noted increased small craft activity, though it has not addressed the May 4 engagement. Iranian state media denied losses. No independent verification has been released, and the situation remains volatile.
The engagement occurred as the United States initiated Project Freedom, announced by President Trump, to escort stranded neutral merchant ships through what officials describe as an effective Iranian blockade. CENTCOM reported that two U.S. flagged vessels transited the strait under guided missile destroyer escort. The operation includes more than 100 aircraft, unmanned systems, and approximately 15,000 personnel. Officials rejected Iranian claims of striking a U.S. warship near Jask, stating that no vessels were hit.
The IRGC maintains a “mosquito fleet” of small, high speed boats used for swarming, harassment, and mine laying, many of which survived earlier U.S. strikes. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), in its May 3 update, noted increased small craft activity, though it has not addressed the May 4 engagement. Iranian state media denied losses. No independent verification has been released, and the situation remains volatile.
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