News Desk
TEHRAN: Iran claimed it had carried out a coordinated missile and drone strike on a US-operated airbase in Saudi Arabia, reportedly targeting high-value military assets, including a sophisticated surveillance aircraft.
According to Iranian state media, the attack was directed at Prince Sultan Air Base, a facility used jointly by Saudi and American forces, and involved the launch of six ballistic missiles alongside 29 drones.
Iranian outlets, including Press TV, said a Boeing E-3 Sentry — an advanced airborne early warning and control aircraft used for surveillance and command operations — had been damaged during the strike. Reports also suggested that several aerial refueling aircraft sustained damage, potentially affecting the operational capability of US forces stationed in the region.
The reports claimed that at least 15 US personnel were injured, five of them seriously, though these figures have not been independently verified. The airbase, located roughly 96 kilometers from Riyadh, has previously been targeted during periods of heightened regional tension, reflecting its strategic significance in both American and Saudi military planning.
There was no immediate confirmation or response from US or Saudi officials regarding the reported strike, and analysts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions in the absence of independent verification. However, if confirmed, the operation would mark one of the most significant escalations in the Gulf in recent months, underlining the persistent volatility of the region.
Observers noted that the strike, coming amid an already tense geopolitical environment, could have far-reaching implications. It highlighted both Iran’s growing capabilities in missile and drone technology and the vulnerability of regional military infrastructure.
