Revealing Insights: How Recent Satellite Images Illuminate Strikes on Iran

Israeli airstrikes have recently damaged military sites in Iran, including missile bases and an airport runway. Satellite images shed light on these developments, offering insights from areas where journalists typically cannot operate.

On June 15, high-resolution images from Maxar captured significant damage to missile facilities in Kermanshah province. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operates these sites. Several buildings were destroyed, with debris scattered all around. The images also revealed damage to tunnel entrances, likely used to store missile equipment.

Jeremy Binnie, a Middle East specialist at Janes defense intelligence, mentioned that targeting these facilities might reduce the readiness of personnel involved in missile operations. Likewise, Fabian Hinz, a military analyst, noted that Kermanshah has historical significance as a missile base, dating back to the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. It has been crucial in various missile strikes, especially against Israel.

Another significant target was the international airport in Tabriz, where satellite images from Planet Labs showed extensive damage on June 14. A clear blackened mark was visible in the center of the main runway, a tactic described by analyst Stu Ray as a classic means of crippling airport operations. Currently, no commercial flights appear to be arriving or departing, indicating the airport may not be operational.

In the Tehran area, satellite imagery also revealed damage at the Bid Kaneh military facility. Reports suggest damage is consistent with strikes aimed at missile storage facilities. In previous incidents, such as a 2011 explosion at this site, speculation arose around possible sabotage.

Moreover, images captured by EU satellites indicated large plumes of smoke rising from two energy sites in Tehran. The Shahr Rey refinery, one of the largest in the country, and the nearby Shahran oil depot, saw signs of damage. Iranian officials assert that the situation remains “under control,” even as international scrutiny mounts.

In summary, these airstrikes have highlighted the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. As military strategies and responses evolve, it’s essential to examine their implications on regional stability. With the increasing role of satellite imagery in monitoring these situations, the global community can better understand the complex dynamics at play.

For further information and deep dives into satellite intelligence, you can refer to Maxar’s satellite imagery database.



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