US hits multiple targets in Iran as IRGC pledges retaliation: What we know
The United States conducted extensive military strikes against Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets overnight Wednesday, hitting command centres, missile facilities, and coastal defence sites across multiple provinces. The IRGC pledged retaliation, with suspected Iranian strikes subsequently reported in Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. Explosions were documented in southern Iranian cities including Qeshm, Bushehr, and Ahvaz, with at least three civilian deaths reported.
The United States Central Command launched a comprehensive military operation targeting Iranian IRGC installations across multiple locations within Iran. The strikes, conducted overnight Wednesday, focused on military infrastructure including command centres, missile and drone production facilities, coastal surveillance systems, and maritime defence capabilities. While CENTCOM confirmed the scope of the operation, specific target locations and damage assessments were not disclosed in official statements.
The military action followed a ballistic missile attack on a US base in Jordan attributed to the IRGC on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran would face severe consequences for the attack. In response, the IRGC announced intentions to retaliate against what it characterized as aggression, with suspected Iranian strikes subsequently reported in Kuwait and Jordan on Thursday morning. A worker was killed when a building belonging to a Chinese company in Kuwait was struck. Egypt also reported a drone strike during this period.
Iranian media outlets documented extensive damage across southern regions. Qeshm Island experienced multiple explosions, with reports indicating a residential area was struck, resulting in at least three civilian deaths including a couple and their child. The southwestern Fars province, including the city of Kazerun, sustained strikes. Kish Island in the Persian Gulf reported two significant explosions, though airport and ferry operations reportedly remained functional. Bushehr province, home to Iran's sole nuclear power plant, experienced strikes across three cities with no reported casualties.
Additional strikes were reported in Khuzestan province, with multiple locations in Abadan and at least seven sites in Ahvaz city targeted. Power outages occurred in parts of Ahvaz. Hormozgan province, including the port city of Bandar Abbas and islands including Abu Musa, Kish, and Qeshm, reported explosions. At least two individuals were reported trapped under rubble following a residential strike on Qeshm Island.
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