DUBAI / TAMPA — In a sharp rebuke to Iranian war propaganda, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has officially denied claims by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that hundreds of American troops were targeted and killed in strikes on “hideouts” in Dubai. In a statement released on Saturday, March 28, 2026, CENTCOM dismissed the reports as “purely fabricated,” accusing the Tehran regime of spreading disinformation to mask its own naval and industrial losses.
The IRGC had earlier claimed to have carried out a precision operation against two locations in Dubai where it alleged 500 U.S. troops had “gone into hiding” to escape earlier strikes on regional bases.
The “500 Troops” Allegation
The IRGC’s narrative, disseminated through state-affiliated outlets like Fars News, attempted to frame a major tactical victory in the heart of the UAE.
- The IRGC Claim: A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters claimed that Iranian intelligence identified two “secret villas” in Dubai—one housing 400 troops and another 100—which were then “obliterated” by missiles and drones.
- The CENTCOM Rebuttal: “No U.S. personnel have been attacked in Dubai,” CENTCOM posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The Iranian government is manufacturing lies to distract from the reality of their degraded capabilities.”
- No Local Evidence: Residents and local authorities in Dubai reported no explosions or missile activity in residential districts today, though the UAE Ministry of Defence did confirm intercepting 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones across the country earlier this morning.
Ukrainian “Anti-Drone Depot” Dispute
The IRGC also claimed to have destroyed a depot in Dubai containing Ukrainian-supplied anti-drone systems and claimed that 21 Ukrainian personnel were present at the site.
- Kyiv’s Denial: The Ukrainian government quickly joined the U.S. in refuting the claim, labeling it a “complete lie” and “cheap disinformation” aimed at driving a wedge between the UAE and its international defense partners.
- Zelensky’s Stance: President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently agreed to “defense cooperation” with the UAE, reiterated that Ukrainian experts are in the region solely for technical consultancy on drone defense, not combat operations.
- The “Dubai International” Incident: While the “hideout” claim was denied, Dubai authorities did acknowledge “minor damage” and a fire at Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3) and Jebel Ali Port earlier today, which they attributed to falling debris from successful aerial interceptions.
U.S. Force Posture in Dubai
While Dubai is a major hub for U.S. rest and recuperation (R&R) and logistics, it does not host “secret hideouts” for 500 combat troops.
| Facility | U.S. Presence Status |
| Jebel Ali Port | Primary regional port for the U.S. Navy; currently operating under “Extreme Alert.” |
| Al Minhad Air Base | Used for coalition logistics; no reported casualties today. |
| Civilian Hotels | Some personnel have been moved to commercial sites following damage to Al Dhafra, but CENTCOM maintains all are accounted for. |
What’s Next?
The “Information War” is intensifying as the April 6 deadline approaches. Analysts believe Tehran is using these high-casualty claims to project strength to its domestic audience following the reported destruction of 92% of its navy. As the 82nd Airborne continues to land in the Gulf, the Pentagon expects an increase in “ghost attacks” and fake news as the IRGC attempts to deter a potential ground operation.
