TEHRAN, Iran \u2014 Iran\u2019s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched underground ballistic missiles as part of an exercise involving a mock-up aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was the latest barrage in a drill that the previous day saw two American bases temporarily go on alert over the launches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drone footage captured by the Guard showed two missiles blasting out from covered positions in what appeared to be a desert plateau in central Iran, with debris flying up in the air in their wake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The launches took place on Wednesday, said Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the Guard\u2019s aerospace division. He told state television it was first time the Guard had done this, though the paramilitary force is known to have vast underground bases hiding its ballistic missile arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Separately, drones targeted the bridge of the fake aircraft carrier, according to the state TV report. The broadcaster did not immediately air footage of the launches or the drone attack, nor did it identify the missiles used in the drill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the drill clearly meant to send a message to the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\t