In an attempt to control increasing unrest in Iran, the US has mobilized the majority of its forces in the Middle Eastern theater and has focused their attention in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas. The unrest began during a shift in political power from previous supreme leader Ali Khamenei to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Mohammad Pakpour during a recent military coup. Immediately following this transition of power, Pakpour begin a heavy focus on building a nuclear weapons arsenal for Iran as well as launching a far reaching series of cyber attacks and targeted drone strikes. While many of Iran’s efforts to attack the US have been thwarted, more than a few have cause significant damage and death. A recent drone strike on Al Asad Air Base that caused the death 23 civilian contractors has sparked the mobilization of multiple carrier groups in the Persian Gulf as well as the activation of attack squadrons in Al Minhad and Khasab Airport. All signs would point to an imminent US retalitory attack but details about the timeline of such an attack are unclear at this time. 

• Reported on January 12th 2026 - N.D.

I have managed to secure a new source of information in order to provide the most accurate and up to date details on what is being called Operation Scenic Route. New updates on this operation may come in slow from time to time due to the sensitive nature of this information.

The first strike of this operation began as the sun began to rise over the Persian Gulf, around 7am local time. Two F18 Hornets launched from a carrier stationed just south of Bandar-e-Jask Airport with the objective of suppressing or destroying Irania SAM sites. The strike was initially met with near disaster when the Hornets clipped each other upon launching from the carrier cause significant damage to the flight systems of one of the fighters. Both pilots agreed to continue with their mission despite a he incident.

Another nearby carrier was also bussing with activity as two AH64 Apaches and one Mi-24P Hind began their startup procedures. The Apaches were tasked with seeking out FOBs in the area surrounding Bandar and ensuring they would no longer be operational for enemy air support. They were then to turn their attention towards Bandar itself and to neutralize targets of opportunity.

The Hind was tasked with joining up with a lone A10 Warthog flying out from Al Minhad and searching for Iranian facilities supporting military forces in the area before moving to their secondary objective of destroying enemy armor groups operating in the area. 

Around the same time, a flight of three F16 Vipers took off from Khasab Airport with the objective of provide air support of other air groups operating in the area. 

Outside of the incident with the Hornets, all other strike groups experienced no major incidents in flight towards the area of operation. Upon nearing the Iranian coastline however the Warthog, flying near 15,000 feet was targeted by a Hawk AN/MPQ 46 and was subsequently shot down before reaching its primary target. The pilot managed to eject and was quickly recovered by CSAR teams. 

At this time Apache group began to move inland and systematically destroy enemy anti air so that other strike groups could operate more freely. The Hind pilot also began to move inland near the Apache group to target Iranian AAA and infantry located near the target facilities. The Viper group also arrived at the AO and quickly established complete air control, providing all strike groups the ability to focus all attention on ground forces. It was during this time of focus that Iran launched an air assault on air bases near Dubai, including Al Minhad resulting in the death of two A10 pilots as well as the destruction of multiple defensive vehicles. Once the superior Vipers turned their attention back towards this area, all Iranian forces fled the area. 

Around 9am local time US Hornets had effectively destroyed the majority of SAM sites but the few remaining AAA still posed a threat to aircraft flying at lower altitudes including the Chinook group tasked with landing US infantry on the Iranian coast to move to capture Bandar. Despite the Chinook being shot down, the infantry team was able to make its way to shore to continue with their primary objective. In the distance a large fireball was thrown into the air as a US pilot flying a backup A10 dropped a 2000 lb bomb in the middle of the Iranian facility. The Warthog then turned northwest to help the Apaches and Hind with destroying the remaining enemy armor and AAA. 

Now that the Vipers landed, a few pilots took to the skies again this time laden with a different load out. The self titled ViperHawgs took off carrying a full load of bombs to be used to take out any remaining Iranian defenses left at Bandar. All strike groups began to quickly converge on the remaining enemy who had quickly become disorganized and ineffective. Multiple low altitude gun runs were made by the Warthog, strafing rocket attacks were made by the Hind, and the remaining hellfires were launched by the Apaches and enemy opposition was slowly reduced to a handful of extremists unwilling to surrender. These last few combatants were effectively neutralized by the ViperHawgs in a display that could have been mistaken for a 4th of July fireworks display happening on the ground. This rippled bombs decimated the last defensive holdouts and all strike groups were able to return to base or land at Bandar, ending the first assault of Operation Scenic Route. 

Despite the handful of losses suffered by US forces, the assault is being considered a massive success due to the US now having a foothold on the Iranian coastline. 

• Reported on January 16th 2026 - 0700 Local Time