Footage reveals Iran's assault on Camp Buehring and the U.S. retreat from Kuwait

Key points

• CBS News obtained exclusive video footage of Iranian attacks on Camp Buehring, a major U.S. staging ground in Kuwait located 25 miles from the Iraqi border.
• The attacks involved ballistic missiles, drones, and Iranian F-5 fighter jets, which one witness described as flying so low that helmets were visible.
• Prior to the war, over 90% of the roughly 7,000 troops at Camp Buehring were moved as part of the Pentagon's 'get off the X' strategy to avoid Iranian fire.
• A remaining garrison of over 100 soldiers faced critical shortages of .50-caliber ammunition and Patriot missile batteries, leading to the decision to abandon the base.
• The evacuated troops moved to remote forward operating bases in the Kuwaiti desert, where two soldiers were injured by lightning strikes in sandstorms.
• The Defense Department's inspector general reported equipment losses of up to $3.7 billion, including nearly 60 aircraft, and confirmed Iranian strikes on bases in eight countries.

Background

The conflict with Iran began in February 2026, with the U.S. and Israel initiating strikes. Camp Buehring had served as a major staging ground for U.S. forces in the Middle East for over two decades. The war has resulted in significant equipment losses, including 81 fixed or rotary-wing aircraft, and has prompted questions about the future of U.S. military presence in the region.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News emphasizes the human toll and logistical strain on U.S. forces, highlighting the abandonment of Camp Buehring and the injuries sustained by troops. In contrast, AtlasPress, citing The Intercept, focuses on the broader strategic implications, suggesting that the heavy damage to over 15 U.S. bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, casts doubt on Washington's ability to maintain its presence in the Middle East. AtlasPress also notes that the Pentagon prevented Senator Chris Murphy from accessing a key base in Qatar, which it describes as an effort to conceal the war's consequences. While CBS News focuses on the specific incident at Camp Buehring, AtlasPress frames the damage as a systemic issue affecting U.S. military infrastructure across the region.

Why it matters

The attack on Camp Buehring and the subsequent U.S. retreat underscore the vulnerability of American military infrastructure in the Middle East and the challenges of maintaining a forward presence in a conflict zone. The significant equipment losses and the decision to abandon key bases raise questions about the long-term strategy and cost-effectiveness of U.S. military operations in the region. The incident also highlights the human cost of the war, including injuries to service members and the strain on military resources.

What to watch

The U.S. military will likely continue to reassess its presence in the Middle East, potentially leading to further withdrawals or relocations of troops. The Defense Department may face increased scrutiny from Congress over the equipment losses and the decision to abandon Camp Buehring. The incident may also influence future military strategies and the allocation of resources in the region.