UAV event in Iran, Islamic Republic of on Sat 21st March 2026

On 21 March 2026, Israel and/or U.S. forces carried out airstrikes targeting the IRGC in Ahvaz (Central, Khuzestan), causing five to six explosions (coded as air/drone strikes by default). Several locations were struck, including the halls of the Ahvaz International Exhibition and the Ritaj recreational and tourism complex on the Karun riverfront, which, according to several reports, had been turned into accommodation for IRGC and Basij forces from the first days of the war. Some residential buildings were also damaged by the blast wave. One child was killed and the parents were injured. Unconfirmed local reports also indicate that at least 15 mid-ranking IRGC commanders were killed. Israeli forces were coded as the main actor based on reporting that Israeli strikes focus on western and central Iran, while US operations are concentrated in the south. Israel and the United States launched a joint operation codenamed 'Roaring Lion' by Israel and 'Epic Fury' by the United States on 28 February 2026. At least 16 fatalities.