US Deploys Gator Scatterable Mines in Iran, Raising Concerns

Recent reports indicate that the United States has deployed Gator Scatterable Mines over Kafari, a village near Shiraz, Iran. This operation reportedly resulted in several fatalities, as confirmed by Iranian media. Experts analyzing satellite imagery have identified the munitions as BLU-91/B anti-tank mines, which are exclusively possessed by the US in the context of the ongoing conflict in the region.

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The Gator system is an air-delivered mine dispenser that can release a combination of BLU-91/B anti-tank and BLU-92/B anti-personnel mines over a designated area. Depending on the specific dispenser used, the mines can cover an area of approximately 200 by 650 meters. The exact number of dispensers deployed in this incident remains unclear, as does the specific configuration of the mines.

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The BLU-91/B mines are designed to activate two minutes post-deployment, although some may fail to arm properly. They feature self-destruct mechanisms that can trigger explosions hours or days after being deployed, posing ongoing risks to civilians. The BLU-92/B anti-personnel mines are equipped with anti-handling devices intended to detonate if disturbed, further increasing the danger to individuals in the vicinity.

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Bellingcat has geolocated the mines to specific coordinates in Kafari, approximately two kilometers from the Shiraz South Missile Base, identified as an Iranian "missile city." Experts suggest that the deployment of these mines may serve to restrict access to missile launch vehicles and hinder recovery efforts at damaged facilities.

Bellingcat

Bellingcat reached out to the US Department of Defense for confirmation regarding the deployment of the mines, the number scattered, and the intended targets, but received no response prior to publication. This lack of communication raises questions about the operational transparency and strategic objectives behind the mine deployment.

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The deployment of Gator Scatterable Mines has drawn criticism due to the potential for civilian casualties and the long-term dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. Critics argue that such actions could exacerbate tensions in the region and lead to further humanitarian crises.

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While Iranian media reports several fatalities linked to the mine deployment, the exact number of casualties and the total quantity of mines scattered remain unverified. Bellingcat notes that some mines may still be undiscovered, complicating the assessment of the situation.

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• “These images show what appear to be American BLU-91/B scatterable anti-tank landmines.” — Dr. NR Jenzen-Jones, Director of Armament Research Services

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• “The mine will go off if subjected to significant movement.” — Amael Kotlarski, Weapons Team Leader at Janes

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• “Dr Jenzen-Jones also told Bellingcat that “Scatterable anti-tank landmines may have been employed to deny vehicles access to or from so-called ‘missile cities’.” — Dr. NR Jenzen-Jones

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The deployment of Gator Scatterable Mines in Iran underscores the complexities and dangers of modern warfare, particularly in densely populated areas where civilian safety is at risk.

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