Iran missile strike injures five Americans, damages two MQ-9 Reaper drones at Kuwait base: Report

Iran fired missiles after the US downed drones over the Strait of Hormuz and struck a military site in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran
The IRGC released footage of its missile strike on Kuwait (IRGC)
The IRGC released footage of its missile strike on Kuwait (IRGC)

WASHINGTON, DC: Several Americans suffered minor injuries after debris from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile struck a Kuwaiti air base, adding fresh uncertainty to ongoing ceasefire discussions being weighed by President Donald Trump.

The May 30 incident occurred when Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted a Fateh-110 missile. However, falling debris reportedly hit Ali Al Salem Air Base, according to a person with direct knowledge of the attack.



Americans injured as drone assets sustain major damage

About five people, including active-duty personnel and contractors, suffered minor injuries in the strike.

The attack also caused significant damage to US military equipment.

One MQ-9 Reaper drone was destroyed while another was seriously damaged. 

An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) flies by during a training mission at Creech Air Force Base on November 17, 2015 in Indian Springs, Nevada. The Pentagon has plans to expand combat air patrols flights by remotely piloted aircraft by as much as 50 percent over the next few years to meet an increased need for surveillance, reconnaissance and lethal airstrikes in more areas around the world. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)
An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) flies by during a training mission at Creech Air Force Base on November 17, 2015 in Indian Springs, Nevada (Getty Images)

Each drone is estimated to cost about $30 million.

US Central Command did not immediately comment on the incident.

Strike comes amid fragile ceasefire negotiations

The attack happened as the Trump administration considers extending a ceasefire that has been in place since April, despite repeated violations by both sides.

Trump wrote in a social media post on May 29 that he was prepared to make a "final determination" regarding a preliminary agreement.



However, a roughly two-hour meeting in the Situation Room later that day ended without any public announcement, according to a White House official familiar with the discussions.

Iran conflict continues to strain US military resources

The conflict has placed growing pressure on American military resources.

According to the latest Department of Defense casualty report for Operation Epic Fury, 14 Americans have been killed and 409 injured since the campaign began.

White House releases photos showing Donald Trump and national security advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)
White House released photos showing Donald Trump and national security advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)

The war has also depleted stocks of key US munitions, including JASSM-ER and Tomahawk cruise missiles, along with THAAD, Patriot PAC-3 and SM-3 Block IIA air-defense systems.

Iran's Fateh-110 missile is a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a 500-kilogram warhead.

Since the conflict began on February 28, Tehran has reportedly launched more than 1,850 ballistic missiles at targets across the region.

The latest strike indicates how fragile the ceasefire remains as negotiations continue behind closed doors.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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