15 US service members injured in Iranian drone strike on Kuwait air base: Report

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard deployed new air defenses as Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem base stays operational, with most injured US troops back on duty
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
US officials said 15 troops were injured in an Iranian drone attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, with most returning to duty and injuries not life-threatening (Getty Images/Representational Image)
US officials said 15 troops were injured in an Iranian drone attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, with most returning to duty and injuries not life-threatening (Getty Images/Representational Image)

WASHINGTON, DC: Reports from US officials say that at least 15 US military personnel were injured in an Iranian drone attack on a base in Kuwait. The incident is said to have occurred overnight at a key military base used by American troops.

Two US officials told CBS News that the injuries occurred during a drone attack on Ali Al Salem Air Base. One of the officials said that most of those injured have since returned to work, indicating that the injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Iran drone strike injures US troops at Kuwait base

According to reports, the attack involved Iranian drones targeting the air base in Kuwait, where US forces are stationed. Details about the extent of damage to the base or equipment have not been publicly disclosed.

VILSECK, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 09: Soldiers of 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army are
According to the report, the attack involved Iranian drones targeting the air base in Kuwait (Getty Images/Representational Image)

Officials said the attack injured at least 15 service members. Although the exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, the fact that most have returned to duty suggests they were not severe.

The incident is part of a series of reported escalations involving US forces in the region, particularly as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Military bases hosting US troops are increasingly being viewed as potential targets.



US officials monitor tensions after Kuwait base attack

One source said most of the service members were lightly wounded and have already returned to duty.

This comes as US Central Command reported that 373 American service members have been injured in the ongoing Iran operation. Of those, around 330 have resumed duty, while five are currently listed as seriously wounded.

At least 15 American service members were injured last month when multiple Iranian ballistic missiles struck King Abdulaziz Air Base in eastern Saudi Arabia.  



This attack on a key allied base marks a significant shift in Tehran's strategy. Instead of relying on proxy forces, Iran appears to be directly targeting US conventional forces in the Gulf with high-intensity attacks.

The United States and Israel have launched more than 20,000 airstrikes on Iran’s military sites, senior leaders, and weapons facilities. Even after these strikes, Iran retains the capability to target key American assets in the region, according to the Wall Street Journal.

FORT DRUM, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: U.S. Army soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division arrive home fr
US authorities have not released an official public statement detailing the attack or confirming responsibility (Getty Images/Representational Image)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it has deployed new air defense systems capable of targeting planes, drones, and cruise missiles.

Kuwait hosts several key US military bases, including Ali Al Salem Air Base, which supports air missions and regional defense operations.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation for any signs of further escalation. So far, reports indicate that the base remains fully operational, and most of the injured have already returned to duty after receiving treatment.

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