IranMAR 24 (DAY 26) — USAF Strikes Rogue IRGC Mobile Launchers as US Troops Surge and Iran Continues Regional Attacks
On March 24, 2026 (Day 26 of Operation Epic Fury), the US military continued to expand its presence in the theater while coalition aircraft maintained kinetic pressure on surviving Iranian mobile missile launchers. CENTCOM confirmed that US forces had hit two-thirds of Iran's production facilities for missiles and drones. Russia launched its largest drone barrage of the Ukraine war - 480 drones - on the same date, killing 47 civilians in Kharkiv and highlighting the multi-theater global tension environment. In Iraq, the IraqI Counter-Terrorism Service conducted raids against Kata'ib Hezbollah drone manufacturing infrastructure. Russia, separately, was accused by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas of providing intelligence support to Iran. Odessa port infrastructure continued to be struck by Russian forces - over 180 strikes on port infrastructure in Q1 2026 alone, exceeding all of 2025.
USAF Strikes IRGC Mobile Missile Launchers in Central Iran
United States Air Force aircraft executed strikes against IRGC mobile missile transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) that had been tracked attempting to reposition in central Iran. CENTCOM confirmed that US and coalition forces had degraded approximately two-thirds of Iran's missile and drone production facilities since the conflict began. The TEL hunting missions focused on preventing rogue IRGC units from reconstituting ballistic missile launch capability.
Central Iran
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239, 68, 68
IDF Combat Engineers Neutralize IED Complex in Dahiyeh Clearing Operations
Block-by-block clearing operations in the Dahiyeh suburb continued, with IDF Combat Engineering units engaging improvised explosive device networks and booby-trapped buildings left behind by Hezbollah. Isolated Hezbollah holdout cells fired anti-tank guided missiles at IDF engineering patrols, causing casualties. IDF continued systematic demolition of Hezbollah infrastructure throughout the day.
Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon
3
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239, 68, 68
82nd Airborne Leadership Ordered to Middle East as Ground Options Expand
The Intercept and multiple news organizations confirmed that Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, and his headquarters staff had been ordered to the Middle East. The deployment of division-level command architecture alongside the two Marine Expeditionary Units already en route created a significant expeditionary ground force command capability. US Secretary of State Rubio told Congress that the US may need to physically secure nuclear material inside Iran.
Washington D.C., USA
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100, 116, 139
US Coyote Interceptors Defeat Militia Drone Attack at Al-Tanf Garrison
Forward-deployed US military personnel at the Al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria successfully repelled a coordinated drone attack by Iran-aligned militia elements using Coyote counter-UAS interceptors and other air defense systems. No US casualties were reported. The Al-Tanf garrison remained a persistent target for Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups throughout the conflict.
Al-Tanf, Syria
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239, 68, 68
Artesh Forces Engage IRGC Holdouts Near Isfahan Military Facilities
Reports indicated Artesh mechanized units conducted operations against IRGC holdout elements near Isfahan military and aerospace facilities. The internal Iranian security dynamic between Artesh and hardline IRGC units continued to generate friction at key installations. These reports were not officially confirmed by Iranian government sources.
Isfahan, Iran
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239, 68, 68
US Navy Strikes Houthi Coastal Defense Site in Gulf of Aden
US Navy aircraft from the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group executed strikes against Houthi coastal defense batteries in Yemen. The strikes targeted systems that posed a threat to commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. Houthi military activity had been significantly reduced from the conflict's opening days but isolated attack capability was demonstrated through occasional USV and missile launches.
Yemen
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239, 68, 68
Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service Raids Kata'ib Hezbollah Drone Facility
Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service conducted raids targeting Kata'ib Hezbollah drone manufacturing infrastructure in Babil Province, south of Baghdad. The operations reflected the Iraqi government's attempt to demonstrate state sovereignty and avoid further devastating US retaliatory strikes on Iraqi soil. The Iraqi PM had previously called on Iran-backed militia groups to stand down.
Babil Province, Iraq
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16, 185, 129
EU Accuses Russia of Providing Intelligence Support to Iran Against US Forces
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas publicly accused Russia of providing intelligence support to Iran to help target American forces. Kallas stated: "We see that Russia is helping Iran with intelligence to target Americans, to kill Americans, and Russia is also supporting Iran now with the drones so that they can attack neighbouring countries and also US military bases." The statement represented the most direct European accusation of Russian material support for Iran during the conflict.
Brussels, Belgium
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100, 116, 139