Iranian Missile and Drone Strike on Saudi Air Base Wounds 12 U.S. Troops, Damages Refueling Aircraft

American service members were injured Friday when Iranian forces launched a combined ballistic missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, U.S. officials said, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Two of the troops suffered serious or critical injuries, according to multiple reports citing officials familiar with the incident. The strike also damaged several U.S. aerial refueling aircraft, including KC-135 tankers, though initial assessments suggest some of the planes may be repairable. No U.S. deaths were reported from this specific attack.

The assault on the base, located near Al Kharj and hosting U.S. personnel and assets supporting regional operations, involved at least one Iranian ballistic missile and multiple drones. It represents one of the more serious breaches of air defenses at a U.S.-linked facility in the Gulf amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Casualty figures initially reported as at least 10 were later updated to 12 in some accounts.

Pentagon and Central Command (CENTCOM) statements have been limited so far, focusing on confirming the event occurred while assessments of damage and injuries continue. Broader context from CENTCOM indicates more than 300 U.S. service members have been wounded across the region since late February, with many returning to duty but dozens still sidelined.

Saudi authorities have not immediately issued a detailed public response, though the kingdom has previously intercepted threats aimed at its territory.

U.S. military personnel at Prince Sultan Air Base support various missions, including air operations and logistics in the region.