Operation Epic Fury: CENTCOM Commander Details Massive Strikes and Strategic Gains Against Iran
Correspondents
MANAMA, Bahrain — In an operational update marked by its scale and intensity, Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command, outlined the progress of Operation Epic Fury as it enters its fourth day of execution. The briefing, delivered against a backdrop of regional maps and military insignias, provided the most detailed look yet at a campaign designed to systematically eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten American interests.
The operation, launched under the direct orders of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, represents what Admiral Cooper described as an "unprecedented" effort to address a half-century of Iranian aggression.
Unmatched Firepower and Deployment
The sheer magnitude of the American presence in the Middle East has reached levels not seen in a generation. According to CENTCOM data, the operation currently involves:
• Personnel: More than 50,000 troops.
• Air Power: 200 fighter jets, along with a strategic bomber force.
• Naval Assets: Two aircraft carrier strike groups.
"These forces bring a massive amount of firepower," Admiral Cooper stated, emphasizing that additional capabilities are still en route to the theater. The commander expressed profound pride in the American service members "answering the call" with historic professionalism.
The "Double Scale" of Impact
Drawing a direct comparison to the "Shock and Awe" campaign of 2003, Admiral Cooper revealed that the opening 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury were nearly double the scale of those historic strikes. The campaign has maintained a 24/7 tempo, utilizing a multi-domain approach that spans from the seabed to outer space and cyberspace.
In less than 100 hours since the start of the operation, the results are significant:
• Target Engagement: Nearly 2,000 targets have been struck.
• Ordnance: Over 2,000 munitions have been deployed.
• Strategic Degradation: Iranian air defenses have been "severely degraded," and hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones have been neutralized.
The mission’s philosophy is straightforward: "We’re focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us," Cooper explained.
Surgical Precision and Deep-Strike Capabilities
The briefing highlighted the role of the U.S. strategic bomber fleet. B-2 Spirit and B-1 bombers have conducted uncontested surgical strikes against multiple missile facilities located deep inside Iranian territory. Just last night, a B-52 bomber force successfully targeted ballistic missile command and control posts, further dismantling Tehran’s operational infrastructure.
On the ground, the U.S. Army has marked a historic milestone by firing Long Range Precision Strike Missiles, known as Prisms, in combat for the first time. This deployment has provided the coalition with an "unrivaled deep-strike capability" that complements the aerial bombardment.
The Erasure of the Iranian Navy
One of the most striking claims made by Admiral Cooper concerns the maritime domain. CENTCOM has moved to "sink the Iranian Navy—the entire navy."
To date, 17 Iranian ships have been destroyed, including the regime's most operational submarine. The Admiral noted that for decades, Iran has harassed international shipping; however, as of today, not a single Iranian vessel remains underway in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or the Gulf of Oman. "We will not stop," Cooper vowed, noting that the hunt for the last remaining mobile ballistic missile launchers continues.
Innovation and Retaliation
The commander also introduced Task Force Scorpion Strike, a drone task force that has achieved "massive effects" using one-way attack drones. In a notable detail, Cooper revealed that these drones were originally based on an Iranian design. American engineers "took them back to America, made them better," and have now deployed them against their origin point.
In response to the offensive, the Iranian regime has launched a retaliatory barrage consisting of over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones. Admiral Cooper condemned these strikes as "indiscriminate," specifically noting that Iran is targeting civilian populations.
Assessment: "Ahead of the Game Plan"
Despite the Iranian retaliation, Admiral Cooper’s assessment of the coalition's progress remains highly optimistic. He reported that Iran's ability to strike back is steadily declining, while American combat power continues to build.
"My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan," Cooper said. He concluded the briefing by reiterating the clarity of the military objectives and the "relentless lethality" with which they are being pursued.
As Operation Epic Fury continues, the message from CENTCOM is one of absolute confidence. In the words of Admiral Cooper: "There is no adversary too determined, no mission too difficult."
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