The Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab, Iran, was struck by a Tomahawk missile on February 28, killing over 170 people, mostly girls aged seven to twelve. According to multiple reports, outdated intelligence likely led the US military to target the school.
Key Takeaways
A US missile strike hit an Iranian girls' school in Minab, killing over 170 people, mostly children aged seven to twelve. The attack on February 28 was likely due to outdated intelligence and involved a Tomahawk missile.
- Outdated intelligence likely led to the US strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school
- Satellite imagery shows the school was separated from an IRGC base by a fence and had a distinct entrance
- President Trump initially blamed Iran but later said he would accept the inquiry's final conclusion
- The school had a vivid online presence, including photos of children and activities, raising questions about US military targeting processes
The preliminary investigation found that while the building may have been part of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Navy compound in the past, it had been converted into a school a decade ago. Military investigators reportedly determined that the US was 'likely' responsible for the attack and noted Israel's involvement in locating targets.
Satellite imagery from 2013 showed that the school and IRGC base were once part of the same compound. However, images from 2016 revealed a fence had been erected to separate the school, with a distinct entrance built by 2018. The school's online presence included photos of children and activities, raising questions about how US forces vet strike locations.
US President Donald Trump initially blamed Iran for the strike but later said he would accept the inquiry's final conclusion. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this stance. Meanwhile, Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, described the strike as 'a major, major mistake,' emphasizing the need to refresh target packages.
Reactions from US politicians varied: Republican Senator John Kennedy apologized for the 'horrible mistake,' while 43 Democrat senators demanded answers from the Department of Defense. Satellite imagery analysis showed seven distinct explosions in the area on February 28, including damage to the school and nearby buildings within an IRGC compound.
The Pentagon acknowledged an ongoing investigation but declined to comment on specific details about the strike or the school's online presence. Experts suggested that outdated targeting data may have been responsible for misidentifying the school as a legitimate target. The incident has sparked calls for improved review processes of US military target lists.
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