RIYADH: Five aerial refuelling aircraft of the United States Air Force were damaged in an Iranian missile strike targeting a key military installation in Saudi Arabia, officials said.
The aircraft were hit while parked at Prince Sultan Air Base, a major facility hosting American forces in the Kingdom. The strike occurred during a wave of missile launches by Iran targeting US military assets across the region.
According to officials, the damaged planes are believed to be Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft used to extend the range and endurance of fighter jets and bombers.
Authorities said the tankers sustained damage while on the ground but were not completely destroyed and are currently undergoing repairs. No casualties were reported in the attack.
Rising tensions
The incident adds to a series of recent setbacks for the US Air Force in the region. Earlier this week, two KC-135 aircraft collided during an operation, resulting in one plane crashing. The Pentagon confirmed that all six crew members aboard the aircraft were killed in the accident.
With the latest incident, the number of US refuelling aircraft damaged or destroyed in recent days has risen to at least seven.
The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following US-led military operations targeting Iranian facilities and allied groups across the Middle East.
Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes against American bases and military assets stationed in the region, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.
Security officials say military installations across the Gulf region remain on heightened alert as the cycle of attacks and counterattacks continues.