Soar, an Australia-based digital mapping platform, today released high-resolution satellite images of Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait, taken on 25/8 and 3/9. The images show two structures, identified as Containerized Housing Units (CHU) for stationed US forces, that appear to have been destroyed.

"By comparing images from 25/8 to 3/9, it is evident that two barracks buildings were completely destroyed, with debris from one of the units being cleared," Soar stated. A nearby large structure also showed signs of damage, seemingly from attacks predating 25/8.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, and Kuwaiti officials have not yet commented on the images.

Two destroyed structures (circled in red) at Ali Al Salem base in a satellite image taken on 3/9. Photo: Soar

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on the morning of 2/9 that it had carried out a coordinated missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack on Ali Al Salem military airport. This attack, the IRGC stated, was in retaliation for previous US offensive operations.

The IRGC stated that the targets were "US command headquarters and commanders' housing" at the base. They added that the attack resulted in some military personnel fatalities, caused fires in hangars and UAV deployment areas, and destroyed several reconnaissance aircraft stationed there.

OSINTdefender, a social media account specializing in monitoring open-source intelligence on conflicts, noted that CHU are used as housing for US soldiers at many overseas bases, including most facilities in the Middle East.

"They offer almost no resistance to suicide drones, let alone ballistic missiles," the account stated.

Inadequate housing is believed to be one of the reasons for the deaths of three US soldiers during an Iranian attack on the Muwaffaq Salti base in Jordan in july.

Containerized Housing Units at Balad base in Iraq in 2011. Photo: US Department of Defense

Conflict between Washington and Tehran reignited after the US attacked rocket launchers on Iran's Larak island late last month. The US cited intelligence indicating enemy personnel were preparing to launch rocket-propelled mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

On 5/9, CENTCOM announced that Iran had unsuccessfully attacked two US warships, consisting of an aircraft carrier and a destroyer. In response, the US attacked three oil tankers believed to be linked to the IRGC.

Tehran swiftly retaliated, claiming it had targeted three oil tankers moving on an "illegal route" in the Strait of Hormuz, along with three US-linked vessels in other areas.

On 6/9, the IRGC announced it had attacked a US unmanned surface vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, a claim CENTCOM dismissed as "completely false."

Moments of Iranian oil tankers being attacked in a video posted on 5/9. Video: CENTCOM

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Mehr)