IRGC Claims Attacks on US Military Bases in Kuwait, Damages to Patriot Systems and Equipment

Tehran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed to have attacked Kuwait-based US military bases, damaging Patriot missile defense systems, military equipment, helicopters, and drones. This information was released by Iran's semi-official news agency Fars News. 

According to the IRGC, the attack targeted US military equipment warehouses and Patriot missile systems at the Ali Al-Salem Air Force base in Kuwait as retaliation for US interference in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC also claimed that helicopters, drones, and a communication tower at another US military base suffered significant damage. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Earlier on Thursday morning, the Kuwaiti army stated that its air defense system had dealt with a wave of drone attacks originating from Iran, but no detailed information was released.

Meanwhile, the IRGC also claimed that a fire broke out after an oil tanker attempting to travel through the Strait of Hormuz hit a naval mine. The IRGC claimed responsibility for laying the mine and stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under their control. According to the IRGC, as long as US military forces are present in the region, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to all oil tankers.

However, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied Iran's claim. According to CENTCOM, the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, and commercial vessels regularly use the waterway with US military protection. CENTCOM clarified that while blockades are in place at Iranian ports, Iran's claim that the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed is incorrect.