US Central Command Details Military Assets in First 10 Days of Iran Conflict
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has provided a comprehensive summary of the initial phase of Operation Epic Fury, the joint military campaign with Israel that escalated into a full-scale conflict with Iran. According to the command, the operation was launched under presidential directive to dismantle Iran's security infrastructure, focusing on imminent threats.
Operation Timeline and Initial Strikes
Operation Epic Fury commenced on February 28, 2026, at 1:15 AM, though CENTCOM did not specify the time zone. In the first 10 days, US forces conducted extensive strikes, hitting more than 5,000 targets across Iran. The campaign also resulted in the damage or destruction of over 50 Iranian vessels, significantly impacting Iran's naval capabilities.
Deployed Military Assets
CENTCOM listed a wide array of military assets deployed during this period, showcasing the scale of US involvement. The assets include:
- Bombers: B-1 Bombers, B-2 Stealth Bombers, B-52 bombers, and F-35 Stealth bombers.
- Fighter Jets: F-15, F-16, F-18, and F-22 fighters, along with A-10 attack jets for close air support.
- Specialized Aircraft: EA-18 G electronic attack aircraft, AEW&C aircraft, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance planes, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft, and MQ-9 Reaper drones.
- Defense Systems: Patriot missile defense systems, THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems, and counter-drone systems.
- Naval and Support Units: Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, refueling tanker aircraft, refueling ships, C-17 Globemaster and C-130 cargo aircraft, and EC-130H Compass Call for electronic warfare.
- Artillery and Rocket Systems: M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) systems.
Targets Struck by US Forces
According to CENTCOM, the strikes focused on critical Iranian military infrastructure. Key targets included:
- Command and control centers to disrupt coordination.
- Integrated air defense systems and ballistic missile sites to neutralize offensive capabilities.
- Navy ships and submarines, along with anti-ship missiles, to impair maritime operations.
- Military communication networks to hinder intelligence and logistics.
- Ballistic missile and drone manufacturing facilities to curb production.
- Headquarters and intelligence sites of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), targeting elite units.
This detailed account underscores the strategic approach of the US in aiming to degrade Iran's military assets and operational readiness from the outset of the conflict. The use of advanced stealth technology, electronic warfare, and precision strikes highlights the modern warfare tactics employed in this engagement.
