More than 50,000 American troops have been deployed as part of the US’ Operation Epic Fury that has already eliminated 2,000 targets, according to US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper.
“By order of the president of the United States and secretary of war, our military in the Middle East has undertaken an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten American’s as they’ve been doing nearly half a century,” Cooper said in a video posted to X on Tuesday.
The US has deployed more than 50,000 troops along with 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers and an undisclosed number of bombers since “Operation Epic Fury” started on Saturday.
“These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the US in the Middle East in a generation,” Cooper said.
“Many of you may remember the shock and awe of in the strikes of 2003. The first 24 hours of this operation were literally doubled the scale, and we continue with 24/7 strikes into Iran from seabed to space and cyberspace,” he added.
Nearly 2,000 Iranian targets were struck in the first 100 hours of the joint operation with Israel, with the US firing over 2,000 munitions.
Cooper said the US has “severely diminished” Iranian air defenses and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.
“In simple terms, we’re shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” he said.
American forces have utilized its various bombers including the B-2s, B-1s and B-52s with operations “deep inside Iran.”
At least 17 Iranian ships and a submarine were struck by the US.
“We are also sinking the Iranian Navy, the entire navy, thusfar” Cooper said.
No Iranian-flagged ships have been located in the waters of the Middle East after the operation was launched.
“We will not stop, we will continue to conduct dynamic targeting operations. We’re hunting Iran’s last remaining mobile ballistic missile launchers, to eliminate what, I would characterize, is their lingering launch capabilities,” Cooper said.
