Satellite images reveal billions in damage to US bases from Iranian attacks
The widespread destruction of early warning systems, aircraft, and over 270 structures has prompted the Pentagon to consider relocating personnel and withdrawing from certain regional facilities
Recent satellite imagery analysis reveals that Iranian drone and missile attacks have damaged over 24 US military installations and 274 structures across the Middle East, resulting in billions of dollars in damage and prompting Washington to consider relocating its bases and seeking financial assistance from regional allies.
Recent satellite imagery analysis reveals that Iranian drone and missile attacks have damaged over 24 US military installations and 274 structures across the Middle East, resulting in billions of dollars in damage and prompting Washington to consider relocating its bases and seeking financial assistance from regional allies.
Recent satellite imagery analysis reveals that Iranian drone and missile attacks have damaged over 24 US military installations and 274 structures across the Middle East, resulting in billions of dollars in damage and prompting Washington to consider relocating its bases and seeking financial assistance from regional allies.
New satellite images have revealed the extent of the damage inflicted on the US bases in the Middle East by Iranian attacks. Over 24 American bases were damaged in the attack, causing billions of dollars in damage.
Though the Pentagon is yet to release the extent of the damage to the US bases, the Associated Press and the Wall Street Journal have attempted to analyse tens of thousands of satellite images, which reveal that at least 274 structures at 24 US military installations have been damaged in the six months since the war began on February 28.
The Associated Press, using satellite imagery from several companies and interviews with four regional officials, said more than 115 drone or missile attacks attributed to Iran or its proxies have damaged structures at the bases. Iran initially targeted early warning systems, then shifted to aircraft and buildings.
During this time, at least 119 buildings across 13 installations were damaged, mostly in Kuwait.
The US Naval Support Centre in Bahrain, home to the Fifth Fleet, was also targeted by heavy attacks, forcing CENTCOM to withdraw most of its forces.
The attacks hit aircraft, air defence systems, communications systems, and other equipment vital to the bases' operations. The deadliest attack on US forces was an Iranian drone strike on the port of Shuaiba, which killed six US soldiers.
The Pentagon has estimated the damage at at least $5 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials familiar with the cost estimates. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has estimated the cost of rebuilding the buildings, not including internal equipment and systems, at more than $4 billion, according to a source familiar with the cost estimates.
The report added that Washington is in talks with these countries to cover some of the cost of rebuilding them, but some infrastructure may never be rebuilt. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the Pentagon was considering moving bases further out of range of Iranian attacks and withdrawing from its facilities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. A U.S. withdrawal could leave its allies more vulnerable.