Authored by Dave DeCamp via AntiWar.com,
Recent reports from NBC News have revealed that Iranian attacks on US bases in the Middle East have resulted in significantly more damage than what the Trump administration has publicly admitted. According to unnamed US officials, an Iranian fighter jet successfully bombed at least one US base, raising serious concerns about the extent of the attacks.
The administration’s attempts to downplay the damage have been extensive, including requesting satellite imagery companies like Planet Labs to blackout images of the war zone, making it challenging to assess the true impact of the attacks.
The Pentagon has reportedly withheld information about the damage from Congress, with one Republican congressional aide expressing frustration, stating, “No one knows anything. And it’s not for lack of asking. We have been asking for weeks and not getting specifics, even as the Pentagon is asking for a record high budget.”
Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted US bases in seven Middle Eastern countries, resulting in casualties and destruction. Notably, an Iranian F-5 fighter jet was able to bomb the US base at Camp Buehring in Kuwait, breaching its air defenses for the first time in years.
The aftermath of the attacks has left many US military bases uninhabitable, with bases in Kuwait suffering the most damage due to their proximity to Iran. The repairs are estimated to cost at least $5 billion, excluding the value of destroyed equipment.
The extent of the damage underscores the vulnerability of US bases in the region and raises questions about the effectiveness of current defense measures against Iranian threats.