Manama: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted a series of attacks on United States military bases located in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These strikes were declared as retaliation for US military actions targeting Iranian ports and islands within the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to Ghana Web, the IRGC announced through state media that it had executed a drone attack on the US Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait. Additionally, a long-range missile was launched at an air base in Azraq, Jordan. The IRGC claimed that 21 US targets were attacked, with four being destroyed, including a hangar housing F-35 fighter jets in Jordan.
The IRGC also reported the downing of a US MQ-9 drone over the Iranian city of Jam. The escalation follows US military strikes on Qeshm Island and various Iranian coastal ports in the Strait of Hormuz, actions taken in response to Iran being blamed for the downing of a US Apache helicopter earlier in the week.
The IRGC stated that the US attacks inflicted damage on a telecommunications tower and destroyed water tanks in the town of Sirik. It warned of a 'crushing and decisive' response to any further US military actions, holding Washington accountable for any further escalation.
There has been no immediate response from the US regarding these developments. In Jordan, military officials reported intercepting and neutralizing five missiles aimed at Azraq, which resulted in the fall of shrapnel but caused no injuries or material damage.
The attacks triggered air raid alarms in Bahrain and Kuwait. The Kuwaiti Army confirmed it was engaging with 'hostile aerial targets' but did not provide additional details.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, commented that Iran's response is aimed at demonstrating its capacity to retaliate 'proportionately, but very harshly and swiftly' against American actions. Parsi emphasized that Iran seeks to prevent a scenario where the US can attack with impunity, signaling that any aggression towards Iran will be met with a strong response.