More Than 2 Dozen US Troops Wounded in Iranian Attacks on Saudi Air Base/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iranian missiles and drones struck a Saudi air base, injuring more than a dozen U.S. troops. The attack pushed total American casualties in the conflict above 300. Additional U.S. Marines and naval forces are now arriving in the Middle East.
Iranian Attack Saudi Base Quick Looks
- Iran launches missiles and drones at Saudi base
- At least 15 U.S. troops injured, five seriously
- Total U.S. wounded surpasses 300
- USS Tripoli deploys with 2,500 Marines
- Additional ships ordered from San Diego
- Prince Sultan Air Base targeted multiple times
- U.S. says objectives possible without ground troops
- Iran attacks escalate regional conflict
- Strait of Hormuz disruption impacts global markets
- Trump sets April 6 deadline for reopening strait
Deep Look: Iranian Attack on Saudi Base Causes U.S. Casualties as More Forces Deploy
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than two dozen American troops were wounded this week following Iranian missile and drone attacks on a U.S.-used air base in Saudi Arabia, pushing total U.S. casualties in the Iran conflict beyond 300, according to officials briefed on the situation.
Iran launched six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Prince Sultan Air Base on Friday, injuring at least 15 American service members. Five of the injured troops were reported to be in serious condition. Earlier initial reports indicated at least 10 troops had been wounded, including two seriously.
The attack marks one of the most significant strikes against U.S. forces since the conflict began a month ago.
Additional U.S. Forces Arrive
As attacks escalate, additional U.S. military forces are arriving in the Middle East. U.S. Central Command confirmed Saturday that the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, has reached the region.
The USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are based in Japan and were conducting exercises near Taiwan before receiving orders nearly two weeks ago to deploy to the Middle East.
Central Command said the deployment includes transport aircraft, strike fighter jets, and amphibious assault capabilities, significantly strengthening U.S. military presence in the region.
Additional reinforcements are also on the way. The USS Boxer and two accompanying ships, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been ordered to deploy from San Diego.
Rubio: U.S. Prepared for Contingencies
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that the United States can achieve its objectives without deploying ground troops. However, he emphasized that the administration must prepare for various scenarios.
Rubio said the additional deployments are intended to provide flexibility.
American forces are available “to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge,” Rubio said.
Base Targeted Multiple Times
Prince Sultan Air Base, located about 60 miles from Riyadh, is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force but hosts U.S. military personnel. The installation has been repeatedly targeted during the conflict.
Earlier this week, another attack injured 14 U.S. troops. The base has been under threat since the early days of the war.
Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was wounded in a March 1 attack at the base and later died from his injuries. He is among 13 U.S. service members killed during the conflict.
Total U.S. Casualties Rising
U.S. Central Command reported Friday that more than 300 American service members have been wounded since the conflict began. While most have returned to duty, approximately 30 remain out of action, including 10 who are seriously injured.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment regarding the latest casualties.
War Expands Across Region
Iran has responded to U.S. and Israeli strikes with retaliatory attacks against Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states. The expanding conflict has disrupted global air travel, oil exports, and energy markets.
Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz — a key global shipping route — has worsened the economic fallout. The waterway handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, making disruptions particularly impactful.
Diplomatic Pressure Builds
President Donald Trump faces growing pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global markets. The latest attacks occurred after Trump said negotiations to end the conflict were progressing.
Trump has given Iran until April 6 to reopen the waterway. Iranian officials, however, have denied that negotiations are underway.
As additional U.S. forces arrive and attacks continue, the conflict appears to be entering a more volatile phase, raising concerns about further escalation across the Middle East.
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