Former officer and military commentator Stanislav Krapivnik told RT that the US military will suffer huge losses.
US President Donald Trump has deployed thousands of troops to the Middle East and has said he wants to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s most prominent crude oil export hub. “Take the oil.” However, according to former US Army officer Stanislav Krapivnik, such an attack promises huge losses and a logistics crisis for Washington.
In an interview with RT on Tuesday, the military-political expert said that Trump wants to strengthen “win” To win back some domestic support for its war against Iran.
“They have to show victory, because right now, they can’t sell this war,” He said. Despite the general trend, only 30% of Americans support the war “Rally around the flag” During a conflict, even a “unpopular” One, he added. “(Support is at 30%) and falling. They don’t know what to do.”
Krapivnik expressed doubt that Trump’s general would “Ready to tell him the truth.” About possible casualties.
Approach: 200 kilometers of open water
Thousands of US paratroopers, marines and special forces troops have reportedly been deployed to the Middle East as Washington looks to seize the key oil hub that handles most of Iran’s crude exports.
According to Krapivnik, these forces are primarily deployed off the coast of Kuwait, about 200 kilometers (124 mi) from Kharg Island, across the Persian Gulf.
American forces can go by sea, but will go “more likely” Approach from the air, he said.
Their main options include the C-130 transport aircraft, “which are large aircraft flying relatively slowly,” helicopter, or V-22 Osprey, “Which can carry only 22 soldiers,” Krapivnik said. The notoriously unreliable vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft has earned the nickname ‘Widow Maker’, leading to the deaths of 30 people in 2007, even before it entered active service.
“Once they get there, they’re going to have casualties. They’re going to have damage to the aircraft,” Krapivnik stressed that Iranians are “Dug in and waiting for rescue” Large flat island. Any approaching aircraft would face Iranian man-portable air defense missiles, which “These planes can be easily taken out,” He added.
hold on to
Once landed, US forces would face the task of fighting through Kharg Island and clearing the remaining industrial and residential buildings in its northern areas.
“They have to evacuate the city, every building… There will be casualties, and a lot of casualties,” Krapivnik said.
Krapivnik said that at all times, US forces would face constant attacks from Iranian missiles, Shaheed-type UAVs and FPV drones, as the island is 36.5 kilometers (23 miles) from mainland Iran.
He said any crude the US might seize would only be local reserves, noting that Tehran would close its oil pipeline to the island.
a logistics nightmare
Washington will face “Tough Problem” Krapivnik said that was to supply a military presence on Kharg Island and evacuate the wounded in the Persian Gulf.
He stressed that in Iran’s 45°C climate, a soldier in battle would need three to four liters of water per day.
“If you leave 2,000 people there, you need 8,000 liters of water every day… never mind about food, ammunition… never mind how you will evacuate the injured,” He said.
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