Exclusive Photos Reveal Extensive Damage to U.S. Bases from Iranian Missile and Drone Strikes
New images obtained exclusively by CBS News expose the widespread destruction inflicted on multiple U.S. military positions across the Middle East by Iranian missile and drone attacks. The photographs, provided by active-duty service members on condition of anonymity due to strict military media restrictions, depict severe damage to aircraft, buildings, and vehicles at bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Service Members Allege Lack of Transparency and Defense
“This is major damage to our bases that hasn’t been communicated to the American public,” one deployed service member told CBS News. “We’re standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face.”
The source further criticized the defensive posture, referencing remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following the deadly March 1 attack on the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait that killed six U.S. troops.
“These are not ‘squirters’ getting through,” the service member added. “We’re not defending these bases. We’re just watching them get destroyed.”
Prince Sultan Air Base: Critical Intelligence Asset Destroyed
One photograph taken at Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia shows a direct hit on a Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft. The strike severed the tail from the charred fuselage, destroying the rotating radar dome essential for collecting midair intelligence and battlefield management.
Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan: Staging Grounds Heavily Damaged
Images from Camp Buehring in Kuwait—a major staging area for U.S. Army ground troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft located in a remote desert region northwest of Kuwait City—show hollowed-out buildings and barracks. The photos reveal that traditional cement “T-wall” fortifications, previously considered critical protection against grenades and mortar fire, proved ineffective against aerial assault.
Additional photos document destroyed trailers and vehicles at Camp Buehring, as well as structural damage at nearby Camp Arifjan.
Inspector General Report Quantifies Losses at $3.7 Billion
The revelations align with a fresh report from the Department of Defense Inspector General released this week. In a first-of-its-kind mandatory report to Congress, the watchdog disclosed “equipment losses” valued at up to $3.7 billion, including nearly 60 aircraft.
The report also confirmed that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recorded Iranian strikes at U.S. bases in eight nations: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan.
The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.
