Iran's Missile Sites and Airports Under Fire

The Middle East is a hotspot for conflict, and recent events have shown that Iran is a prime target. Satellite pictures have uncovered significant harm to key locations in Iran. These images, taken from space, offer a unique perspective on the ground situation. They are especially useful in Iran, where it's tough for journalists to operate freely. One of the hit sites is a missile base near Kermanshah, in western Iran. This base is run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). High-quality images from June 15th show that several buildings at this site have been hit hard. Some structures are completely wrecked, with rubble scattered around. There's also damage to what look like tunnel entrances dug into the mountainside. These tunnels are likely used to hide sensitive equipment from potential attacks. Iran's ballistic missiles are often hidden deep underground in silos spread across the country. Experts suggest that the targeted buildings could include barracks. This would indicate an effort to reduce the number of personnel available to operate missile launchers for retaliatory strikes. The Kermanshah base is one of Iran's oldest, set up during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. It has been crucial in various Iranian missile strikes, including those against armed groups and Israel.

Another affected site is the international airport in Tabriz, the capital of Iran's East Azerbaijan province. Images from June 14th show a large, blackened area on the main runway. There are also signs of damage to taxiways. It's unclear if the airport is still operational, but there have been no commercial flights since early Friday. This was when Israel first launched attacks on Iran. Military aircraft movements are not typically tracked by flight tracking sites. A facility near Bid Kaneh, about 30km west of Tehran, has also been hit. Images from June 15th show damage to multiple buildings. This isn't the first time this facility has been targeted. In 2011, a large explosion reportedly killed several personnel working on Iran's missile program. The Iranian authorities blamed it on an accident, but there was speculation about sabotage. Additionally, large plumes of smoke were seen coming from two energy facilities in Tehran. One of these is Shahr Rey, one of Iran's largest refineries, capable of refining 225, 000 barrels per day. These satellite images provide a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region. They also highlight the importance of satellite technology in monitoring conflicts. While these images offer valuable insights, they also raise questions about the future of these conflicts and the potential for further escalation.

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