Iran Missile and Drone Attack Wounds At Least 15 US Troops at Saudi Airbase

At least 15 American military personnel were wounded on Friday following a significant Iranian missile and drone strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple news reports. This incident marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, now in its second month.

Details of the Strike and Casualties

The attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base reportedly involved at least six ballistic missiles and 29 drones. The Associated Press, citing sources briefed on the strikes, indicated that five of the injured US troops are in serious condition.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the soldiers were inside a building on the base when it was hit. Another unidentified US official informed Reuters that at least 12 troops were wounded, with two seriously.

Prince Sultan Air Base Targeted Amid Regional Tensions

This latest strike marks the third attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base this week, following an earlier incident that wounded 14 US soldiers. Located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) from Riyadh, the base is primarily operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force but is also utilized by American forces.

Iran's central military headquarters, through spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari, claimed responsibility for the attack. Zolfaghari stated that one refueling aircraft was "completely destroyed" and three others were damaged and rendered inoperable. Satellite images published by Iran's Press TV purportedly showed significant damage to several aircraft at the airbase.

Wider Conflict Intensifies with Multiple Strikes

The Iranian attack comes as Tehran continues retaliatory strikes against Gulf nations it accuses of facilitating US military operations against Iran, which began jointly with Israel on February 28. Separately, late on Friday, a joint US-Israeli strike reportedly targeted Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed the strike, stating it caused no material damage or casualties and reported no technical disruption at the site.

Limited Official Comment as Analysts Weigh In

The Pentagon and US Central Command have not yet issued immediate comments regarding the incident. Al Jazeera's Zein Basrawi, reporting from Dubai, highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding Iranian strikes but noted the severity indicated by the number of injuries.

Basrawi pointed out that the Prince Sultan Air Base typically hosts 2,000 to 3,000 US soldiers, primarily involved in missile defense systems and logistic support. He suggested that the consistent targeting of this base could draw further criticism of the US administration's handling of the conflict.

Rising Casualty Counts in Ongoing Conflict

Since the war began, at least 13 US military service members have been killed, with seven fatalities in the Gulf and six in Iraq. More than 300 American troops have sustained injuries. While Iran's government has not released updated casualty figures, the US-based activist group HRANA reported on March 23 that 1,167 Iranian soldiers have been killed, with the status of 658 troops unknown.

In another development, Iran's military announced on Saturday that it had targeted a US support vessel near the port of Salalah in Oman, though specific details were not provided.

Olley News Insight: The sustained targeting of US personnel and assets in Saudi Arabia by Iranian forces represents a significant and dangerous escalation within the broader regional conflict. These attacks not only highlight the expanding geographic scope of hostilities but also put immense pressure on diplomatic efforts and raise concerns about the potential for wider confrontation. The reported casualties underscore the direct human cost of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Key Takeaways

  • At least 15 US troops were wounded in an Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Five of the injured US soldiers are reportedly in serious condition.
  • The attack involved at least six ballistic missiles and 29 drones, damaging multiple aircraft, including a destroyed refueling plane.
  • This marks the third Iranian strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base this week.
  • The incident occurred amidst a month-long conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
  • Iran has also claimed to target a US support vessel near Salalah, Oman.
  • Official comments from the Pentagon and US Central Command are pending.