Tel Aviv: US-made Gator anti-tank mines, specifically BLU-91/B variants, were reportedly discovered near Iran’s Shiraz South Missile Base in the village of Kafari, southern Iran, around March 25-27, 2026.
The mines were found 2-3 kilometres from the base entrance, marking the first confirmed US mine deployment in over 20 years during Operation Epic Fury.
The Gator mine system disperses mines via weapon systems like CBU-89/B cluster bombs, creating fields up to 650m by 200m with hundreds of anti-tank (BLU-91/B) and sometimes anti-personnel (BLU-92/B) mines. These target vehicles via magnetic signatures and often self-destruct after hours to days.
Deployed to deny area access, the mines aim to block Iranian mobile missile launchers from exiting underground “missile cities,” forcing them into vulnerable positions for airstrikes.
Iranian media reported at least two civilian deaths from handling the “tuna can-sized” devices.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
