An Iranian missile and drone attack on Friday wounded at least 12 American service members at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, with two troops suffering serious injuries, according to multiple US officials. The strike damaged several American aerial refueling aircraft and represents the latest escalation in a monthlong conflict between Iran and a US-Israeli coalition.
The attack targeted American personnel inside a building at the base, which has previously been struck by Iranian forces. Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, 26, was wounded in a March 1 attack on the same facility and died days later, becoming one of 13 US service members killed since the conflict began on February 28.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that several tanker aircraft were destroyed in the operation. Satellite imagery appearing to show damage to aircraft at the base has circulated online, though US Central Command has not immediately confirmed details of the attack.
The casualties add to a growing toll from the conflict, with US Central Command reporting that more than 300 American service members have been wounded in the monthlong operation. While most wounded personnel have recovered and returned to duty, 30 remain out of action and 10 are considered seriously wounded.
Iran has maintained retaliatory strikes against Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launch points for US operations. The Islamic Republic's control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global shipping and sent fuel prices soaring, though Tehran announced Friday it would facilitate humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the waterway.
Russian state media presents the attack as part of broader US-Israeli military operations against Iran. The outlet emphasizes casualty figures and frames the conflict within the context of ongoing regional tensions.
International coverage focuses on military details and diplomatic developments, including ceasefire discussions. The outlet provides context about previous attacks on the same base and broader regional implications.
Indian media emphasizes the retaliatory nature of Iranian strikes against Gulf nations. Coverage highlights the economic impact through disrupted shipping and rising fuel prices affecting global markets.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a reported 15-point ceasefire proposal delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, the Pentagon is preparing significant troop deployments. At least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to deploy to the Middle East in coming days, along with two Marine units adding approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region.
we can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State — The New Arab
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Iranian forces as well, with a US-based activist group reporting around 1,167 Iranian troops killed and 658 missing as of March 23, though these figures cannot be independently verified due to reporting restrictions in Iran.