16th wave of retaliatory strikes hit heart of occupied territories; enemy casualties stand at 680; IRGC

Tehran, Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced late Tuesday that it carried out the 16th wave of strikes under Operation True Promise 4. The operation, according to Iranian officials, is a response to ongoing Israeli-American military actions.

In an official statement, the IRGC said its Aerospace Division launched missile and drone attacks targeting what it described as strategic military sites in the “heart and northern parts” of Israeli-controlled territory.

Targets Named by IRGC

The statement listed several locations. These included the Israeli army’s general staff headquarters and the defense ministry complex in Hakiriya. It also mentioned strategic infrastructure in Bnei Brak, military positions near Beit Hakfa northeast of Tel Aviv, and a military center in the Western Galilee area.

The IRGC claimed the strikes were effective. It said that, according to its field assessments, total military casualties on the opposing side have reached more than 680 killed and wounded since the start of the campaign. These figures have not been independently verified.

Claims About Air Defense Systems

The statement also argued that weaknesses in Israel’s multi-layer air defense systems allowed Iranian missiles and drones to reach their targets. It described technical gaps and operational strain as key factors.

There has been no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding the extent of the reported damage or casualties.

Ground Forces and Drone Operations

In a separate announcement, the IRGC said its Ground Forces have now entered the battlefield. It reported launching 230 attack drones in three simultaneous operations.

Iranian officials also said drones were fired toward US military bases in Erbil, Iraq, and toward Ali al-Salem and Arifjan bases in Kuwait. The IRGC described these actions as part of its broader regional response.

Statement from Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters

Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, speaking on behalf of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Iranian forces had delivered heavy blows to what he called sensitive and strategic enemy centers.

Operation True Promise 4 follows earlier rounds of confrontation between Iran and Israeli-American forces. Regional tensions remain high, and international observers continue to monitor developments closely.