The US military has destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran, as the US launched an operation to free up shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports, citing US Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command (Centcom).

Cooper says he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to remain clear of US military assets as it launches the operation. He adds that a US blockade of Iranian ports also remains in effect and is exceeding expectations.