Evidence Points to US Scattering Mines over Iranian Village

Bellingcat
by Trevor Ball
March 26, 2026
5 min read

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US military deployed anti-tank mines over an Iranian village, killing several civilians according to Iranian reports.

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The US appears to have deployed Gator Scatterable Anti-Tank Mines over Kafari village near Shiraz in southern Iran overnight, according to three weapons experts who analyzed satellite imagery and photos for Bellingcat. The mines are BLU-91/B anti-tank munitions, which experts say indicate air-delivered deployment and are possessed exclusively by the US among combatants in the conflict. Several people were killed in the incident according to Iranian media, with at least three mines geolocated approximately two kilometers from what is reported to be Shiraz South Missile Base. The Pentagon did not respond when asked to confirm the operation or provide details about deployment numbers and targets. The mines pose particular danger because they activate two minutes after deployment and feature self-destruct mechanisms set for 4 to 15 days, though some may detonate early if disturbed or moved.

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