New Delhi:
US military bases and diplomatic facilities across the Middle East reportedly suffered significant damage during the conflict with Iran. According to a report by the Pentagon Inspector General, Iranian attacks caused extensive damage to US military infrastructure and diplomatic facilities, with the damage to diplomatic facilities estimated at approximately $184 million.
The Pentagon watchdog’s report, covering the period from February 28 to June 30, provides details of attacks on US military installations and resources across the Middle East.
US Bases Damaged in Several Countries
According to the report, Iranian attacks caused damage to US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan. Hundreds of buildings and other military structures were reportedly damaged or destroyed.
Following the attacks, the US Central Command had to relocate personnel, military equipment and storage facilities to other locations. This also resulted in the withdrawal of military medical helicopters from Iraq and Kuwait, while some wounded personnel had to be transported to local hospitals by ground.
Attacks in Bahrain Disrupted US Logistics
According to the report, damage to the US Navy’s regional hub in Bahrain affected American military logistics and operations. The damage created additional challenges in establishing alternative facilities and maintaining military activities.
As pressure on facilities in Bahrain increased, Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean, was used as a maritime logistics hub. As a result, the US military’s supply cycle was extended to approximately 14 to 18 days.
The changes to the supply system, along with disruptions to the military mail system, also affected US troops and sailors deployed across the Persian Gulf.
Diplomatic Facilities Suffered $184 Million in Damage
The report, prepared in cooperation with the inspectors general of the US Department of State and USAID, estimates that Iranian attacks caused approximately $184 million in damage to US diplomatic facilities across the Middle East.
According to the report, two Iranian drones targeted the US Embassy compound in Riyadh in early March. The attack caused extensive damage to the compound and also affected a CIA station.
A separate drone attack in Dubai reportedly damaged a building belonging to the US Consulate. Meanwhile, operations at the US Embassy in Kuwait were disrupted for several months following an attack.
More Than 600 Attacks in Iraq
US facilities in Iraq also came under a large number of attacks. According to the report, American military installations there faced more than 600 attacks.
The attacks are estimated to have caused approximately $157 million in damage in Iraq alone, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on US military infrastructure and operations.
Thousands of Diplomatic Personnel Displaced
Due to continued attacks and security concerns, a large number of US diplomatic personnel and their families were forced to leave the region.
According to the report, approximately 3,500 diplomatic personnel remained outside the region between February 23 and June 30. Non-emergency personnel and their families stationed in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were instructed to relocate to safer locations for security reasons.
However, after the security situation improved to some extent, the return of some diplomats and their families has begun, while limited operations have resumed at several locations.
Could the US Reduce Its Military Presence in the Middle East?
The report comes at a time when US military and intelligence officials are considering the future strategy for American deployments in the Middle East.
The biggest question is whether the extensive damage suffered by US military and diplomatic infrastructure during the conflict could lead to a permanent reduction in the number of American personnel and military resources stationed in the region.
The report indicates that the impact of Iranian attacks went beyond immediate physical damage. The strikes also affected US logistics, medical support, diplomatic operations and regional military deployments.
