From Tehran to Dubai: Geolocated videos show the shockwaves of US-Israeli strikes — and Iran’s retaliation
From Tehran to Dubai: Geolocated videos show the shockwaves of US-Israeli strikes — and Iran’s retaliation
US-Israeli Strikes Target Key Iranian Facilities
Following the US and Israel’s Saturday morning assault on Iran, CNN’s geolocated social media footage provided insight into the strikes’ effects. The attacks focused on significant Iranian military installations, with reports indicating the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as stated by a Truth Social post from former President Donald Trump. Among the targets was an elementary school in southern Iran, where state media claimed a substantial number of students were killed.
Iran’s Immediate Response Targets US Bases
Shortly after the initial strikes, Iran launched a rapid counteroffensive across the Middle East. Footage from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar revealed sites hit by Iranian forces, including a US Navy facility and the affluent Palm Jumeirah district in Dubai. Inside Tehran, videos showed widespread damage to political and military structures, with CNN’s geolocated clips highlighting smoke rising from the compound of the supreme leader, known as the beyt-e rahbari.
Civilian Impact Raises Concerns
While US and Israeli sources emphasized targeting military assets, geolocated videos also depicted strikes affecting densely populated civilian zones. A particularly devastating incident occurred at a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, where 85 students were reported dead by IRNA, citing the city’s prosecutor. The Red Crescent later raised the casualty count to 108. The school, once linked to a military base, was separated from it since 2016, according to satellite imagery. Multiple fires were captured near the base, as reviewed by CNN.
Iranian Drones Strike Strategic and Residential Sites
Iran’s retaliation included drone attacks on US infrastructure. In Bahrain, a video showed a Shahed drone hitting the upper floors of Era Views Tower, a residential building near the US Navy base. In the UAE, another drone strike was recorded at the Fairmont Hotel in Palm Jumeirah, causing a major explosion. Meanwhile, US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins addressed civilian casualties, stating:
“We are aware of reports concerning civilian harm resulting from ongoing military operations. We take these reports seriously and are looking into them. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimize the risk of unintended harm.”
Additional strikes targeted al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, al-Salem in Kuwait, al-Dhafra in the UAE, and a US naval base in Bahrain. Iranian state media also confirmed attacks on Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base in Jordan and a US facility in northern Iraq.
