Five U.S. Refueling Aircraft Damaged in Iranian Missile Strike on Saudi Air Base: Report

Five U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft were damaged on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian missile strike, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing two American officials.

The report said the aircraft were struck in recent days but were not completely destroyed and are currently undergoing repairs. No casualties were reported in the strike.

Prince Sultan Air Base is a major hub for U.S. military operations in the region and supports missions such as aerial refueling of fighter jets and bombers. The loss or damage of such aircraft could affect long-range air missions in the region.

Reuters said it could not immediately verify the report.

The incident comes as the U.S. refueling fleet has faced another setback in the region. A KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, killing all six crew members. U.S. Central Command said the aircraft went down in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire. The command added that another aircraft involved in suspected collision landed safely.