Iran releases aerial images captured by IRGC Nour-1 Satellite of US “Al Udeid Base” in Qatar

FARS
Iran Releases Aerial Images Captured by IRGC Nour-1 Satellite of US “Al Udeid Base” in Qatar

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force on Wednesday released images of al-Udeid base in Qatar, which hosts thousands of US forces, taken by Iran’s newly-launched satellite, Nour-1.

The images taken through mosaicking method by Nour-1 Satellite, which was launched successfully on April 22, are high resolution and show the US biggest airbase in the Middle-East in Qatar which hosts nearly 13,000 American forces.

The IRGC Nour-1 satellite images from US Al-Udeid Airbase come in the backdrop of the allegations made by US Space Commander Gen. Jay Raymond on April 26 that Nour-1 “is a tumbling webcam in space; unlikely providing intel”.

The IRGC launched the satellite aboard Qassed (Carrier) satellite carrier during an operation that was staged in Dasht-e Kavir, Iran’s sprawling Central desert. The Launcher Qassed is a three-stage launcher using compound solid-liquid fuel.

The satellite was placed into the orbit 425km above Earth’s surface.

The satellite was sent to the space on the anniversary of the IRGC establishment (April 22, 1979).

The IRGC announced in a statement on Tuesday that it has started the final phase of the ‘Great Prophet-14’ drills in the South of the country, and added that Nour-1 Satellite is being used to monitor the wargames.

The IRGC fired ballistic missiles buried deep into the ground during the second day of massive ‘Great Prophet-14’ drills in the Southern parts of the country on Wednesday.

The successful firing of ballistic missiles fully hidden in camouflage deep into the ground is an important achievement that could pose serious challenges to enemy intelligence agencies.

In the final stage of the IRGC’s drills, which took place in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Aerospace Force’s drones attacked enemy’s mock aircraft carrier and targeted its command tower and bridge.

Also, the IRGC’s Sukhoi-22 fighters bombed and destroyed pre-determined targets in Farour Islands with winged bombs.

Destroying hypothetical enemy targets designed much smaller than the actual size with a variety of smart bombs was another part of this phase of the exercises.

The IRGC Aerospace and Naval Forces’ joint exercises were an important part of the drills and demonstrated surprising tactics, including establishment of the two forces’ joint command systems, joint control, combined tactics and combat methods.

Successful missile combat operations were carried out by firing two surface-to-surface Hurmoz and Fateh missiles, and a ballistic missile at specific targets, as well as launching precision-striking air defense missiles.

Also, Shahed 181, Mohajer and Bavar drones successfully attacked and destroyed hypothetical enemy targets and positions at this stage of the drills.

Meantime, surface-to-surface missile operations, coast-to-sea operations, heavy artillery firing and offensive mine-laying operations to cut off enemy lines were demonstrated on the second day of the massive wargames.

Also, firing of all kinds of artillery, RPGs and light weapons by combat forces in line and around Iranian islands was part of the drills to reportedly show the firm determination of the border guards in defending the country.

The drills are underway with the participation of the IRGC Navy and Aerospace forces in the Hormozgan province and extend to the depth of the Iranian soil.

IRGC Navy’s missile, ship, and drone units as well as IRGC Aerospace’s missile, drone, and radar units are due to conduct operational drills in the wargames, the statement said.

Great Prophet (Payambar-e Azam) wargames are annual missile tests and exercises conducted by Iran’s IRGC. The first series of the wargames began in July 2008.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.

The Iranian Armed Forces several times a year test their preparedness and capabilities as well as newly-manufactured weapons systems in different wargames.

Iranian Armed Forces recently test-fire different types of newly-developed missiles and torpedoes and tested a large number of home-made weapons, tools and equipment, including submarines, military ships, artillery, choppers, aircrafts, UAVs and air defense and electronic systems, during massive military drills.

Iranian officials have always stressed that the country’s military and arms programs serve defensive purposes.

Defense analysts and military observers say that Iran’s wargames and its advancements in weapons production have proved as a deterrent factor.