Iran targeted US air defence systems before hitting bases, report says
Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed structures at 26 military sites through August, according to an Associated Press analysis.
Iran focused its attacks on early-warning systems and aircraft hangars before hitting warehouses and troop housing at more than two dozen US bases in the Middle East, according to an Associated Press analysis reported by The New Indian Express.
The analysis, which used satellite imagery and interviews with four regional officials, found that more than 115 drone or missile strikes by Iran or Iranian-backed militias damaged or destroyed structures at 26 military sites with US equipment through August.
Most attacks occurred in Kuwait, though sites in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were also targeted. Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait was struck at least 30 times, damaging 15 aircraft hangars and 10 buildings.
The strikes caused billions of dollars in equipment damage. In Jordan, a radar hit was reportedly destroyed, while a radar in Qatar was significantly damaged.
Two regional officials said the United States has moved many assets out of the Persian Gulf, including aircraft, communications systems and air defence systems.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that US forces and bases are well protected and that the military is stronger than ever.
