U.S. PrSM Missile's First Combat Use Killed Civilians in Iran

An investigation by the conflict monitor Airwars has found that the first known combat use of the U.S. Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, likely occurred during missile strikes in the Iranian city of Lamerd on February 28, the opening day of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The analysis, which was independently reviewed by The Associated Press, indicates the weapon’s fragmentation mechanism killed civilians at distances far greater than its advertised radius, raising significant concerns about its deployment in populated areas. According to the findings, three missiles detonated in midair over two residential neighborhoods and a sports complex in Lamerd within approximately 31 seconds. The strikes killed at least 21 civilians, including seven children, and injured up to 170 others, according to Iranian officials. Airwars documented that civilians were killed as far as 50 meters from the estimated points of detonation, while visible damage to buildings and vehicles extended at least 170 meters away.