Explosions were heard near U.S. bases in northern Iraq on Friday following a series of alleged Iranian drone attacks targeting American military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The incidents come as reports suggest a significant reduction in U.S. interceptor missile stockpiles.
Iranian Drone Strikes and U.S. Interceptions
Video footage emerged showing at least one drone being intercepted near a U.S. base in northern Iraq. The clip, shared by Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw, depicts a drone being struck and falling in flames. These events occurred near Erbil airport, which houses the U.S. forces at Erbil Air Base and an American consulate.
The same base was the site where U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed on Sunday during what the Pentagon described as the "controlled detonation" of a downed Iranian attack drone. An AFP journalist reported hearing explosions after air defenses were activated, observing drones and smoke near the airport.
Iran's Warning to Civilians
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a public warning on Friday, advising civilians in the Middle East to avoid proximity to U.S. bases. The IRGC statement urged the public in countries hosting American soldiers to remain at least 500 meters away from American troop locations for their safety.
This advisory followed reports from several Persian Gulf states and Jordan detailing ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks. Interceptions were also noted near a significant U.S. base in Erbil, northern Iraq.
U.S. Retaliation and Iranian Claims
In response to recent attacks, the United States reportedly struck an IRGC base in Iran's northern Gilan province. A statement from the local governor's office indicated the U.S. targeted the Seyyed al-Shuhada naval headquarters in Zibanekar on Friday morning. Ali Bagheri, deputy governor for the province, told state media that the strike "damaged some of the equipment in the complex."
Iran's military asserted on Friday that it conducted drone strikes against multiple American military facilities and bases located in Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. These actions were presented as retaliation for recent U.S. assaults.
Specific Targets and Reported Damage
According to a statement carried by state TV, the Iranian army claimed its Arash kamikaze drones targeted fuel tanks, large equipment warehouses, silos, and barracks of U.S. forces at Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Bahrain's interior ministry confirmed that air raid sirens were activated on Friday.
The Iranian army also claimed drone attacks against Jordan, stating that Al-Azraq base was targeted, with specific mention of "aircraft hangars, aviation maintenance hangars and a barracks." Jordan has not officially reported any strikes in the hours following these claims.
Furthermore, the Iranian army stated it launched drones against U.S. equipment warehouses at Camp Udairi and American military personnel sites at Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. The IRGC also claimed to have targeted Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, alleging the destruction of an ammunition depot and inflicting casualties among U.S. personnel.
Context of Retaliation
Tehran maintains that any facility or base in the Middle East utilized by the U.S. military for strikes against Iran is considered a legitimate target for retaliatory action. This stance frames the ongoing exchanges as a direct response to perceived U.S. aggression.
