Analysis & Reports

USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin fired 1,083 shells and 52 cruise missiles at Iraqi targets from January 17 to February 28, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. The battleships utilized advanced technology, including drones for targeting, and played a crucial role in deceiving Iraqi forces about coalition troop movements. This marked the last combat use of American battleships before their decommissioning.

USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand on September 2, 2023, allowing approximately 5,000 crew members to rest after nearly 9 months at sea. The U.S. Navy faces significant logistical challenges in the Middle East, including the destruction of a key supply base and the need for extensive resupply operations over long distances. Currently, two aircraft carriers and twelve destroyers are involved in operations in the region.

U.S. Navy attack submarines have spent over 41 ship-years idle at piers, costing approximately $3.3 billion for Los Angeles-class and $835 million for Virginia-class boats. The USS Pasadena is in inactive status and cannot operate, with 15 more submarines expected to follow suit by 2030. The Government Accountability Office warns of an additional 14,000 idle days and $3.1 billion in costs unless alternatives for decommissioning are explored.

The Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on the evening of the 4th in response to a drone launched by Hezbollah at Israeli troops operating in a designated 'safe zone'. No Israeli personnel were reported injured during the incident.

The Pentagon reported that 794 U.S. troops have been wounded in the ongoing Iran conflict as of September 4. This update follows a recent escalation in hostilities, including Iranian attacks on American bases in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The casualties reported this week are all from the U.S. Army, with injuries logged since early July being counted separately from earlier casualties.

The Iranian military struck the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and the Al-Minhad Air Base in the UAE on September 3, 2023, in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes. The attacks involved missiles and drones, with Kuwaiti air defenses intercepting some of the incoming threats. This incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first direct Iranian attack on Gulf states hosting U.S. forces during the ongoing conflict.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Israel's Defense Minister Katz announced that the military's recent control of the Ali Taher ridge is a crucial step in solidifying Israel's presence in southern Lebanon. He stated that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, ensuring no threat to northern Israel. This policy reflects a clear stance from both Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding military operations in the region.

On September 3, the Iranian military launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military bases located in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The strikes targeted Ahmad Jaber Air Base and Minhad Air Base, causing damage to communication systems and aircraft hangars. The Iranian military has stated it will continue to respond to U.S. attacks until achieving final victory and punishing the aggressors.

Intense fighting erupted on September 3, 2023, in Taiz Province between Yemeni government forces and Houthi militants, resulting in approximately 28 deaths and numerous injuries. The Houthi forces launched an attack, briefly seizing control of some areas before government forces counterattacked. The conflict also displaced over 900 families, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the violence.

Iran struck the U.S. Navy's logistics hub in Bahrain on February 28, 2023, forcing the Navy to resupply at sea every five to six days. Currently, about 20 ships and 20,000 personnel are deployed in the Middle East, with supply ships traveling 2,200 miles to Diego Garcia for essential supplies. This situation presents significant logistical challenges for the Navy's operations in the region.

The British Army ordered 386 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, which have been deployed in various conflicts including Kosovo, Iraq, and Ukraine. Notably, only one Challenger 2 was destroyed in combat, and that incident was due to friendly fire on March 25, 2003. The tanks have demonstrated significant effectiveness against enemy forces, particularly during engagements with Iraqi T-55s.

The Browning Hi-Power handgun, adopted by over 50 countries, has a significant military history, being used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Its design, completed in 1935, has influenced modern firearms, and despite the end of original production in 2018, demand remains high with new versions being introduced. The Hi-Power is recognized for its reliability and performance in military contexts.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced that Israel will target all Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities, if attacked by Iran. This statement follows warnings from Iran regarding potential responses to Israeli actions in southern Lebanon. Katz affirmed that Israel is fully prepared for any possible military engagement. Meanwhile, Iran's Army Commander declared that Iranian forces are on high alert to counter any threats.

Six Iranian military personnel were killed in U.S. airstrikes on September 1 in southern Iran. Among the deceased, three were pilots from the Iranian Air Force and Navy. The strikes targeted multiple locations, resulting in significant casualties for the Iranian military.

The U.S. Navy is experiencing a significant shipbuilding crisis, with only one shipyard in Virginia capable of constructing and maintaining its aircraft carriers. As of July 14, 2024, only 4 out of 11 carriers are available for deployment due to long maintenance cycles. The Navy's logistical challenges are compounded by an inadequate workforce and supply chain issues, hindering its operational readiness in the Middle East.

The Iranian military launched missile and drone strikes on U.S. military bases at Ahmed Jaber in Kuwait and Minhad in the United Arab Emirates on the morning of the 3rd. The attacks targeted communication systems and facilities, resulting in reported casualties. Iran has stated it will respond decisively to any U.S. aggression.

Multiple U.S. aircraft carriers are undergoing long-term repairs and will not be combat-ready for several years. The USS George Washington has been redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, leaving the Western Pacific temporarily without U.S. carrier presence. The U.S. Navy currently has 11 aircraft carriers, with 4 deployed, while the USS Gerald R. Ford is also in repair after significant operational wear.

Iran reported 18 civilian deaths and 108 injuries from recent U.S. airstrikes, including casualties at a wedding near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. The U.S. military confirmed 18 personnel killed and over 750 wounded. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and called for an end to military actions.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Kuwait on September 3. The Kuwaiti military confirmed that they were responding to the attacks, which resulted in thick smoke at the site.

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines fired Mossberg 590A1 shotguns during training exercises at the Baghdad Embassy Compound in Iraq on May 8, 2020, and in Kuwait on June 26, 2020. The Mossberg 590A1 is noted for its reliability and has been adopted by various military branches for combat and operational use.