MIDDLE EAST - CENTCOM: U.S. forces “began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter."
Iranian news agency Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has reported explosions in Qeshm Island and in Sirik, Iran.
MIDDLE EAST - The reciprocal pause in U.S. and Iranian strikes has continued into additional nights with no new U.S. Central Command strike-completion announcement after the July 23 statement that forces had finished the 13th consecutive night of operations.
MIDDLE EAST - On Saturday afternoon, Coalition forces intercepted and shot down an explosive-laden drone over Erbil at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time, according to information obtained by Kurdistan24 (KRG state-run media). No casualties or material damage were immediately reported.
MIDDLE EAST - U.S. Central Command started the 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. U.S. forces targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.
CENTCOM Completes Latest Strikes Against Iran. U.S. forces struck Iranian military targets including maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets.