Iran Strikes at Least 20 U.S. Military Targets in the Middle East

Iranian strikes since the start of the war, which began in late February, have damaged at least 20 U.S. military facilities across the Middle East.

According to the BBC, this estimate is based on an analysis of satellite imagery and video footage.

Some analysts, however, believe the actual number of affected U.S. bases is even higher, at as many as 28.

According to the investigation, following the outbreak of hostilities, Iranian forces targeted key U.S. military facilities in at least eight countries across the region: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.

Tehran struck both U.S. military bases and joint military installations in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks.

Among the damaged equipment were three THAAD missile defense systems at the Al Ruwais and Al Sader air bases in the UAE and at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, as well as aerial refueling aircraft, radar systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft.

Satellite imagery has clearly revealed damage caused by the strikes at several locations across the region. At Prince Sultan Air Base, analysts identified multiple impact craters and damaged aircraft.

Among the damaged aircraft was an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, which analysts identified in satellite imagery. The E-3 Sentry is used for long-range radar surveillance, airspace monitoring, and command-and-control operations.

Meanwhile, in Kuwait, analysts observed extensive damage at Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Arifjan. Satellite imagery showed destroyed fuel storage tanks, aircraft hangars, and military barracks.

In addition, significant damage to satellite communications equipment was identified at Camp Arifjan.

According to the Pentagon, at least 42 U.S. aircraft have been destroyed or damaged since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury.

The reported losses include F-15 and F-35 fighter jets, 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

Meanwhile, NBC News, citing its own sources, reported that an F-15 fighter jet shot down over southwestern Iran in April was likely hit by a missile fired from a Chinese-made man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS).