Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 8: The United States carried out strikes on more than 13,000 targets during “Operation Epic Fury,” a large-scale military campaign against Iran, the Pentagon revealed on Wednesday, while also confirming the loss of 13 American service members.
Speaking on the operation, Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the sheer scale and intensity of the mission. He said over 4,000 of the targets were dynamic, meaning they emerged during combat and were engaged immediately through rapid-response systems.
The campaign involved more than 10,000 missions, including 62 long-range bomber sorties, some lasting over 30 hours for round-trip strikes launched from the United States. Caine described this as a demonstration of unmatched military reach and logistical capability.
According to the Pentagon, the strikes severely damaged Iran’s military infrastructure. More than 450 ballistic missile storage sites, 801 drone facilities, and over 1,500 air defence systems were destroyed, reportedly taking out around 80 percent of the country’s air defence capabilities.
The operation also targeted command and communication systems, hitting over 2,000 nodes and significantly disrupting Iran’s ability to coordinate military actions. Naval forces were deployed extensively, with the US claiming it sank over 90 percent of Iran’s fleet and eliminated most of its naval mines through hundreds of strikes.
Beyond the battlefield, the campaign struck deep into Iran’s defence production network. Officials said around 90 percent of weapons manufacturing facilities were hit, including those linked to drones and missile components, while a substantial portion of the nuclear-related industrial base was also damaged.
More than 50,000 US personnel were involved across operational zones, sustaining continuous activity for over five weeks. The scale of logistics included millions of meals and round-the-clock operations in challenging conditions.
Despite the operation’s reported success, officials acknowledged the human cost. Thirteen US service members lost their lives during the campaign, a reminder of the risks involved even in highly coordinated military actions.
The Pentagon stated that the operation has significantly reduced Iran’s military capabilities and its ability to project power in the region, though officials noted that such campaigns remain complex and unpredictable.