Five United States Air Force refuelling aircraft stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia were damaged in missile attacks launched by Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing two US officials.
Five United States Air Force refuelling aircraft located at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia were damaged during recent Iranian missile attacks, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday citing two US officials. The aircraft were targeted while present at the base in recent days. The report said the aircraft sustained damage but were not completely destroyed and are currently undergoing repairs. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Tensions between Iran and the United States have increased in recent months. The US Department of Defense recently stated that the United States will continue its operations in the Middle East and will not ease its campaign against Iran. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “War is hell. It is chaotic and risky.” He referred to the recent crash of a KC-135 tanker aircraft and said unexpected incidents occur during wartime.
The United States has deployed a large number of aircraft in the Middle East for operations against Iran. These include KC-135 refuelling aircraft, which provide aerial fuel support to other fighter aircraft.
Shortly after reports of the attack in Saudi Arabia, a United States KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. The US military confirmed that all six crew members on board were killed. The military said the crash did not involve enemy fire or friendly action. Another US aircraft involved in the incident landed safely.
The incident highlighted operational risks associated with aerial refuelling missions and the complexity of ongoing military operations.
Seven US service members have been killed since the United States campaign against Iran began on 28 February. According to statements from the Pentagon and US Central Command, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the KC-135 aircraft crash is ongoing.
Recent developments involving Saudi Arabia and Iran have further complicated the strategic situation in the Middle East. The attack on refuelling aircraft indicates that logistical and support operations can also be exposed to risks during military campaigns.
