Middle East Bases: Billions in Damage Reported

Iranian attacks on U.S. military sites in the Middle East have resulted in billions of dollars in equipment damage, according to a new analysis.

The Associated Press verified damage at 26 locations using satellite imagery from multiple providers. Four regional officials with direct knowledge of the strikes confirmed the extent of the destruction. Through August, more than 115 drone or missile strikes damaged or destroyed structures on these bases.

The attacks followed a specific sequence. Iran initially targeted aircraft hangars and early-warning systems. This approach cleared the way for subsequent strikes on warehouses and troop housing. The strategy has reshaped the American presence in the region. Two officials stated that the U.S. has moved many assets, including aircraft and air defense systems, out of the Persian Gulf.

Kuwait absorbed the heaviest concentration of strikes. Ali Al Salem Air Base was hit at least 30 times, destroying or damaging 15 aircraft hangars and 10 buildings. Camp Buehring also suffered severe losses. Its gym was destroyed in March, and a base store was hit in late July. Officials noted that the base's limited aircraft meant that gathering places for troops sustained more damage.

High-value radar systems were a primary early target. Iran destroyed enclosures protecting radars at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and Naval Support Activity Bahrain within two days of the war starting in late February. A radar in Jordan was destroyed. Raytheon, the manufacturer, stated that the Army holds only 13 of these units globally. Budget documents indicate each costs approximately $500 million.

A radar in Qatar was also damaged. This system was purchased in a $1.1 billion deal in 2013 and appears to be the only one in the region. N.R. Jenzen-Jones of Armament Research Services said the strikes were intended to degrade the ability of the U.S. and allies to respond. Raphael Cohen of the RAND School of Public Policy described the conflict as a wake-up call for fixed military infrastructure.

U.S. Central Command has not specified the damage, citing operational security. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said forces are well protected. The Trump administration is considering new strikes after the midterm elections, while Tehran has vowed retaliation. A Congressional Research Service report from October confirmed that 15 U.S. aircraft were damaged on regional bases.