By Al-Fassel | 2024-08-12

The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) is in constant pursuit of operatives from various groups who have engaged in acts of terrorism, offering rewards for information that lead to their eventual kill or capture.

As of March, the US CENTCOM Department of Defense Rewards Program has paid out over $26.4 million in reward payments for actionable and verifiable tips and information that combats terrorism or enhances force protection.

Because of the sensitivity of the activity, only a small minority of these success stories can be shared openly with the public, the program's website says.

"However, information that has been verified and acted upon includes details of terrorists or terrorist group operations, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), lone-wolf attacks against US forces, weapons caches and illicit smuggling activity."

"Hundreds of individuals" have received cash payments, it says.

The program has identified "priority tips" as information about planned attacks on US and coalition forces; terrorist group operations; and locations of drones, rockets or missiles used for Red Sea attacks.

The Houthis have continued to attack vessels in regional waters with weapons and training provided by the Iranian regime and its proxy, Lebanese Hizbullah.

Financial reward

The program is also currently offering a financial reward for information leading to the recovery of two missing US Navy SEALs who disappeared in the Gulf of Aden on January 11.

The SEALs were reported missing at sea while they were conducting a seizure of a vessel that was transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to the Houthis in Yemen, in violation of international law.

Two brothers affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been indicted on new charges in connection with the weapon-smuggling operation that led to the death of the SEALs, the Washington Post reported August 8.

Authorities identified the brothers as Iranian nationals Shahab Mirkazei and Yunus Mirkazei, and said they worked in Iran for the IRGC, the newspaper said.

"Each was indicted on multiple charges, including providing material support or resources to terrorists, resulting in death, and committing violence against maritime navigation involving weapons of mass destruction, resulting in death."

Information on this incident and others can be provided via the program's website, shared via WhatsApp on +1 (201) 2124916 or on Telegram:dodrewardsprogram_bot

An individual who provided a previous tip with specific information about certain dhows, the personnel and illicit narcotics on board, and the potential of weapons being transported, has received a $5,000 reward payment.