Satellite images show Iran war destruction as strikes leave ships ablaze and airports burning

WASHINGTON, DC: New satellite photos show the extensive damage caused by the war with Iran, including burning ships and destroyed buildings at military bases. Since the war began on February 28, it has been difficult to obtain information about what is happening inside restricted military areas across the Middle East.

Companies like Planet Labs are sharing these images, though they are delaying the release of some pictures by two weeks to ensure they are not used by “adversarial actors.” The photos reveal the impact of a high-stakes conflict in which the US and Israel are striking missile sites and bases, while Iran retaliates with drones and missiles.

Bandar Abbas strike leaves ships burning after US attacks

The port of Bandar Abbas is a major Iranian military hub near the Strait of Hormuz. Images taken on March 2 show several ships on fire at the docks after being targeted.

The US military’s Central Command says it has "sank or damaged more than 100 Iranian vessels so far in the war."

5th Fleet base in Bahrain hit hard in strikes

Bahrain is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet and has been a primary target for Iranian missiles and drones.

A satellite image from March 1 shows a large building at the base completely destroyed. Two radomes, which are "geodesic domes covering radar antennas," were also blown up.

While the Navy has not disclosed the full extent of the damage, the images suggest the base was heavily hit, similar to other bases targeted during earlier fighting in June.

French naval base damaged in Abu Dhabi strikes

In Abu Dhabi, a French naval base known as Camp de la Paix has also been damaged.

Satellite images from March 3 show that two large buildings were hit. This base is located close to the city’s Cultural District and the 'Louvre Abu Dhabi' museum.

Fire erupts at Dubai Airport after Iranian drone strike

Meanwhile, satellites that track heat and fires have detected major blazes at some of the world’s busiest locations. On March 16, a fire broke out at Dubai International Airport after an Iranian drone set a fuel tanker ablaze.

The strike created a massive cloud of black smoke visible from space.

Fire burns for days at Salalah Port after drone attack

A fire has also been burning for days at the port of Salalah in Oman. The port was attacked on March 11 by what are believed to be Iranian drones, although Tehran has denied launching them.

Satellite images from March 16 show that the fire is still ongoing.