Inside the Iranian missile attack (2021) | 60 Minutes Archive

TL;DR

A drone video reveals the largest ever Iranian ballistic missile attack on US troops, highlighting the tense relationship between the US and Iran.

Transcript

60 Minutes rewind the U.S airstrike against iranian-backed militias Thursday night was the latest chapter in the poisonous relationship with Iran President Biden inherited from the Trump Administration 13 months ago the two countries came perilously close to war it began with an American drone strike which killed Iran's most powerful General and en... Read More

Key Insights

• 💀 The US-Iran relationship inherited by President Biden was already poisoned due to the actions of the Trump administration.
• 🫱 The US airstrike and subsequent Iranian missile attack brought the two countries to the brink of war.
• 👊 The drone video of the attack and interviews with troops provide a harrowing glimpse into the reality of conflict.
• 🧡 The attack highlighted the accuracy and range of Iran's ballistic missiles.
• 🛟 The decision to evacuate aircraft and troops likely saved many lives.
• 👊 The attack resulted in no fatalities, but the traumatic brain injuries suffered by many soldiers should not be overlooked.
• 😇 The aftermath of the attack saw tensions escalate further, with Iran mistakenly shooting down a Ukrainian airliner, causing the deaths of 176 innocent people.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led to the US-Iran conflict and the airstrike?

The conflict began with a US drone strike that killed Iran's powerful General Qasim Suleimani, who had orchestrated attacks resulting in the deaths of over 600 US troops in Iraq. The US believed he was planning similar attacks, leading to the airstrike.

Q: How did the US troops respond during the Iranian missile attack?

The troops had to take cover in bunkers as the Iranian missiles rained down on al-Assad air base in Iraq. They feared for their lives, with some describing the immense energy released by the missiles, the putrid taste of ammonia dust, and the rolling flames.

Q: Why did the US evacuate aircraft and troops before the attack?

The US anticipated the Iranian missile attack and decided to evacuate aircraft and some troops to minimize casualties. However, some soldiers chose to stay behind, wanting to share in the danger and continue their mission.

Q: Were there any casualties in the attack?

Fortunately, there were no casualties among the US troops. However, over 100 soldiers suffered from traumatic brain injuries due to the blast. Major Johnson and 28 other soldiers received Purple Hearts for their injuries.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The US and Iran came close to war after the US drone strike that killed Iran's top General and the subsequent Iranian ballistic missile attack on US troops in Iraq.

• Drone footage captured the devastating attack, showing the impact of missiles weighing over 1,000 pounds. Soldiers had to take cover in bunkers, fearing for their lives.

• The attack resulted in no casualties but led to over 100 cases of traumatic brain injury among the troops.