US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said 10 civilian sailors have died due to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.

“They’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable and at least 10 sailors have died as a result, civilian sailors,” Rubio said, without providing additional details.

He added that the US will continue to target drones and boats that pose a threat to US forces.

“If no shots are fired at these ships and no shots are fired at us, we’re not firing shots, but if we’re fired on, we will respond.”

He also said the US is deploying assets to extend a defensive umbrella over commercial shipping in the strait.

US forces have destroyed seven Iranian fast boats in the waterway, he added.