Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attack on US Base in Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know

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[Herald Business=Reporter Kim Hae-sol] Iran launched a surprise strike on the U.S. Air Force base stationed in Saudi Arabia, injuring about 10 people.

The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported on the 28th (local time) that Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia came under missile and drone attacks launched from Iran. U.S. and Arab officials say at least 1 missile fell inside the base, and multiple drone strikes were carried out in coordination with the missile fire.

12 U.S. service members who were inside base buildings were wounded in the attack; 2 are reported to have sustained serious injuries. The strike also damaged significant military assets. At least 2 KC-13 aerial refueling tankers based there suffered severe damage, disrupting refueling operations.

Iran, which claimed responsibility for the attack, put the damage at a higher level. RIA Novosti quoted Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Military Headquarters, saying, “We completely destroyed 1 U.S. refueling tanker and struck the other 3 to the point they are inoperable.”

Since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on the 28th of last month escalated the conflict, Prince Sultan has emerged as a principal target for Iranian retaliation. The base, which saw 5 tankers damaged in an attack about two weeks ago, has now endured its 3rd major assault. Iran’s military claims it has struck al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates 16 times, and attacked Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain 15 times each since the fighting began.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that, since it launched Operation “Great Wrath” against Iran the previous day, a total of 303 U.S. service members have been injured across the Middle East.