Overnight, U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and... boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani without incident in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran—anywhere they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain.show more

Newly released video by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command shows American... forces intercepting the MT DAVINA in the Indian Ocean as part of a "global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran."show more

The footage shows the coordinated operation of thousands of... Chinese maritime militia ships, often referred to as the “Third Fleet of the People’s Republic of China” or the maritime militia. They are made up of fishing vessels that receive government support. In turn, these ships help Beijing expand its control and influence in the disputed waters.show more

Following the April 21 and 23 maritime interdiction and... right-of-visit boarding of two Iran-linked oil tankers, the Tifani and the Phonix, both tankers have been viewed moving west across the Indian Ocean, as analysts continue to speculate that their destination may be the United States.show more

PCG DEPLOYS VESSELS AND AIRCRAFT TO BAJO DE MASINLOC... IN RESPONSE TO CHINESE HARASSMENT Following reports of harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and the Chinese Maritime Militia against Filipino fishermen on March 17, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in close coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has immediately deployed surface vessels to Bajo de Masinloc (BDM). The mission is to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen and to deliver essential support, including fuel subsidies, ice, and food packs. Fishermen who witnessed the incidents have documented dangerous maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard vessels 21605, 3107, and 3103, as well as Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. These actions included the repeated use of sirens and the launching of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) specifically intended to drive Filipino fishermen away and prevent them from exercising their legitimate right to fish in Bajo de Masinloc. This morning, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan directed the deployment of a PCG aircraft for a Maritime Domain Awareness flight over BDM. The flight confirmed a significant presence of both Filipino fishermen and Chinese maritime forces in the area. The aircraft documented the five (5) Chinese Coast Guard vessels, three (3) People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and two (2) Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. It also verified the presence of more than twenty (20) Filipino fishing boats operating in the vicinity of BDM, along with the continued presence of yellow buoys installed by China since last year. During the flight, the PCG aircraft actively challenged the illegal presence of CCG and PLAN vessels in Philippine waters. Notably, this was the first time a People’s Liberation Army Air Force asset challenged a PCG aircraft. The aircraft further documented the PCG and BFAR surface vessels currently en route to respond to the ongoing Chinese aggression. The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in upholding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen. Despite the challenges posed by China’s numerous larger vessels, the dedicated men and women of the PCG stand resolute in their mission to safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea peacefully in accordance with national and international law including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.show more

🚨 SOS - Lidd (Nablus) Intercepted SOS: the israeli... occupation has again illegally and violently intercepted our international fleet of humanitarian vessels and abducted our volunteers as they undertake a legitimate mission to break the illegal siege on Gaza and open a humanitarian corridor. States have an obligation to protect their citizens. Flag states under whose jurisdiction our boats are registered have an obligation to protect those vessels and prosecute acts of piracy in their courts. We are outraged by the normalization of these violations of international maritime law and the kidnapping of peaceful civilians in international waters. We demand the immediate release of our participants, the safe passage of our entire fleet, and an end to the illegal siege of Gaza. - Contact your governments - Watch the livestream - Follow the boat tracker Links in bio!show more

BFAR Aircraft with PCG personnel Completes Maritime Domain Awareness... Flights in Bajo De Masinloc The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully conducted Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flights using aircraft RP-1077, departing from Subic Airport. The mission focused on monitoring the Philippine Government vessels providing fuel subsidies and food packs to fishing boats in the Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) area. Upon arrival at approximately 0940H this morning, the aircraft monitored four BFAR vessels and two PCG vessels, as well as around twenty-six fishing boats. Additionally, five China Coast Guard vessels and one People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) vessel were observed in the vicinity. Following a second sortie at 1228H, the aircraft confirmed a floating barrier at the southeastern entrance of BDM and detected an unidentified PLA-Naval Air Force helicopter nearby. The mission underscored BFAR and PCG’s commitment to maritime safety and support for Filipino fishermen.show more

Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships... in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it.show more

PCG Monitors and Challenges Chinese Coast Guard Vessels in... Batanes Waters The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been actively monitoring three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels (3304, 3301, and 4304) in the waters off Batanes since yesterday, following their detection by Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system. In light of their irregular movements, the PCG deployed an aircraft to conduct Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) patrols in the northern region to challenge and document the CCG vessels’ movements. The PCG Islander departed from Manila at 6:00 AM today, en route to the northernmost province of the Philippines. Upon locating the CCG-4304, the crew issued radio challenges, emphasizing that the vessel lacks legal authority to operate within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 75 nautical miles west off the coast of Sabtang, Batanes. Unfortunately, the CCG vessel did not respond. Consequently, adverse weather conditions and the distance to the other two CCG vessels (3304 and 3301) prevented the aircraft from reaching their locations. The leadership of the PCG remains resolute and is prepared to deploy additional resources should the CCG vessels continue their presence or approach closer the Batanes coastline. The PCG is committed to protecting Philippine waters and will take necessary measures against any violations of the nation's maritime jurisdiction.show more

️🇮🇷🇺🇸Iran's Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya warned the... U.S. that if they continue their blockade and seizure of Iranian vessels that they will face the reaction of the IRGC. "If the aggressive US military continues its siege, piracy, and maritime robbery in the region, be assured that they will face the reaction of Iran's powerful armed forces. The United States should know that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran possess greater power and readiness than before to defend sovereignty, territory, and national interests, a power and offensive capability that their army experienced during the Third Imposed War. We are ready and determined to monitor the behavior and movements of enemies in the region and continue managing and controlling the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In the event of another aggression by the American Zionist enemies, we will inflict even more severe damage upon them." Video is made by Grok AIshow more

🚨 NOW: Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent just went maximum... economic FAFO, FREEZING $130 MILLION in funds tied to the Central Bank of Iran 🔥🔥 "Today, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned multiple wallets tied to the Central Bank of Iran, resulting in the freeze of over $130 million." "We will continue to aggressively follow the money and deny the Iranian regime access to the proceeds of its illicit revenue schemes."show more

🇮🇷 Only vessels bound for Iran have passed through... the Strait of Hormuz since yesterday — Fars News Agency IRGC Navy is not issuing transit permits to other vessels "No unauthorized foreign ships are moving, and maritime traffic is strictly restricted to domestic or Iran-bound cargo" — IRGCshow more

🚨 BREAKING: Iran just went from having 11 ships... in the Gulf of Oman to ZERO, CENTCOM announces Total and complete OBLITERATING under President Trump 🔥 " The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it."show more

Yesterday, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Moray... conducted an escort for the Carnival Cruise Ship VALOR leaving the New Orleans Cruise Terminal. The #uscg is leading maritime security efforts for #superbowllix in support of federal, state and local partners. Our teams on or near the water will ensure safety and security of the public, passenger vessels, waterfront facilities, and goods moving along this critical waterway. USCG Heartlandshow more

PCG and BFAR Conduct Maritime Domain Awareness Flight Over... Kalayaan Island Group The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in collaboration with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), conducted a routine Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight today over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) as part of its legitimate mandate to protect the country’s maritime jurisdiction and the livelihood of Filipino fishermen. The flight departed from Puerto Princesa International Airport this morning, monitoring the following activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone: -Zamora Reef: One (1) Chinese hospital ship (862), two (2) China Coast Guard vessels with unidentified bow numbers, and twenty-nine (29) Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs) anchored in the vicinity of the reef. The BFAR aircraft recorded video footage of three (3) flares fired from the reef toward the aircraft during its lawful overflight. -Pag-asa Cay: One (1) Vietnamese research/fishing survey vessel, KN-374, operating southwest of the feature. -Rurok Island: Two (2) Vietnamese fishing vessels anchored southwest, and one (1) Vietnam Coast Guard vessel anchored south of the island. -Julian Felipe Reef:A total of thirty-eight (38) Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels — twenty-six (26) moored alongside each other and twelve (12) scattered in the area. -Pagkakaisa Banks: Thirty-four (34) Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels scattered in the vicinity. -Panganiban Reef: Unidentified vessels observed inside the lagoon. -Escoda Shoal: One (1) People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel (BN 539) approximately 14.56 nautical miles northwest of the shoal. This vessel repeatedly issued radio challenges against the BFAR aircraft while it was flying well within Philippine sovereign rights. The PCG and BFAR reiterate that these routine transparency flights are conducted in accordance with domestic laws and international regulations, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. These flights aim to monitor the marine environment, assess the status of fisheries resources, and ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.show more

🇫🇷 The French Navy has seized another tanker belonging... to Russia’s shadow fleet. 🗣️ President Emmanuel Macron stated: 📌 “Yesterday morning, the French Navy seized a new tanker of Russian origin, the TAGOR, which is under international sanctions. Our decision is firm and unwavering.” 📌 “This operation was carried out in the Atlantic Ocean, in international waters, with the support of several partners, including the United Kingdom, and in strict compliance with maritime law. It is unacceptable for vessels to bypass international sanctions, violate maritime law, and finance the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years.” 📌 “These ships, which do not comply with the basic rules of maritime navigation, also pose a threat to the environment and the safety of all.” This operation demonstrates France’s increasingly tough stance against Russia’s shadow fleet and sanctions evasion. By acting in international waters alongside partners, Paris is sending a clear signal that it is ready to actively enforce sanctions and disrupt the financial flows that sustain Russia’s war effort. Video is generated by grok AIshow more

This morning, Philippine Coast Guard vessels, BRP CABRA and... BRP SINDANGAN, were deployed by the Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, to support the Rotation and Reprovisioning Operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Throughout the operation, the PCG vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia. Their reckless and illegal actions led to a collision between MRRV-4407 and China Coast Guard 21555 that resulted to minor structural damage to the PCG vessel. The mission is still ongoing. Updates to follow.show more

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE FOR THE WEST... PHILIPPINE SEA 9 December 2023 Manila, Philippines The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) vehemently condemns the illegal and aggressive actions carried out by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia against the civilian Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels Datu Sanday, Datu Bankaw, and Datu Tamblot today during a regular BFAR humanitarian and support mission of providing oil subsidy and grocery packs to over 30 Filipino fishing vessels near Bajo De Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. As of this reporting the mission is on-going. Based on the reports received, as the BFAR vessels approached 1.4 to 1.9 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, the Chinese Coast Guard ships utilized water cannons to obstruct and prevent BFAR vessels from approaching the Filipino fishing vessels eagerly awaiting the oil subsidy and grocery packs. The water cannons had been used at least eight (8) times at the time of reporting. Additionally, the Chinese Maritime Militia vessels are reported to have engaged in dangerous maneuvers and deployed what is understood to be a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against the BFAR vessels - causing severe temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew. Water cannon action have resulted in significant damage to BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot's communication and navigation equipment, as it was directly and deliberately targeted by the China Coast Guard. The Task Force likewise denounces the deployment of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to disperse and drive away Filipino fishing vessels eagerly awaiting the distribution of fuel subsidies and food supplies from the BFAR ships. To prevent the distribution of humanitarian support is not only illegal but also inhumane. Moreover, Filipino fishermen have reported and documented the Chinese Coast Guard launching a small boat early this morning to illegally install a floating barrier at the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc. The actions of Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia hindered the BFAR vessel from accessing the entrance of the shoal. We stress that Bajo de Masinloc is a high-tide feature with territorial sea, per the 2016 Arbitral Award. It forms an integral part of the Philippine national territory under the Constitution. The Philippines exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the shoal and its territorial sea. The 2016 Arbitral Award has also clarified that Filipinos have traditional fishing rights in the water of Bajo de Masinloc protected by international law. China's illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines' sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award. We firmly insist that these Chinese vessels leave Bajo de Masinloc immediately. We demand that the Chinese government take immediate action to halt these aggressive activities and uphold the principles of international law and desist from actions that would infringe on Philippine Sovereignty and endanger the lives and livelihood of Filipino fishermen who have traditionally fished in the area. The NTF-WPS remains committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.show more

Signs of a New Phase of the Conflict Iran’s... Khatam al‑Anbiya Military Headquarters: Security of ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman must be for everyone, or for no one. Enemy‑affiliated vessels will not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and we will exercise our sovereignty in our territorial waters.show more

PCG AND BFAR DEPLOY VESSELS TO PROTECT FILIPINO FISHERMEN... FROM CHINESE HARASSMENT IN BAJO DE MASINLOC In response to continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against more than 20 Filipino fishing boats last weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) immediately deployed two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol vessels to Bajo de Masinloc. The joint PCG-BFAR deployment ensured the safety and security of the Filipino fishermen while delivering vital support, including fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend their fishing operations and help offset rising fuel costs. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also directed the deployment of the PCG Caravan for a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the area. The flight documented six China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) warship in the vicinity. This operation marks a significant first: the PCG has documented the China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intention to conduct a clearing operation at the following coordinates: - Point A: 15°05'N, 118°10'E - Point B: 15°05'N, 118°25'E - Point C: 14°14'N, 118°25'E - Point D: 14°14'N, 118°10'E The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to defend Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. In line with the President’s vision, the PCG will continue to uphold international law and protect the rights, safety, and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen from external threats and harassment.show more