BALAD HABOOB Two Fighting Falcons wait out a haboob on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Sept. 9, 2008. Haboobs are sandstorms that result from the collapse of thunderstorms and the resulting downdrafts. The dust carried by a haboob can rise several kilometers in the sky, and winds can travel upwards of 30 mph. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.03 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 687531-G-JJN17-633.jpg Photo Gallery