Video: Iran strike on Jordan Air Base kills U.S. troops, damages multiple aircraft
Abdullateef Fowewe
Two United States service members were killed and multiple American aircraft both manned and unmanned were reportedly damaged after Iranian ballistic missiles and drones struck the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base (also known as Al-Azraq) in eastern Jordan, U.S. Central Command confirmed.
CENTCOM confirmed the casualties and damage in a statement, saying “two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Additionally, one service member is currently missing.”
The command added that “four American service members were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals. They have since been discharged. Other personnel who were evaluated for minor injuries have returned to duty.”
CENTCOM said it would “withhold additional information, including the identities of the fallen warriors, until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.”
It was gathered that the attack struck both manned and unmanned U.S. aircraft stationed at the base, which hosts hundreds of U.S. personnel and dozens of warplanes used to stage strikes on Iranian targets.
The officials described the most alarming technical detail as Iran’s apparent adaptation of its missile forces: Tehran fired missiles that traveled “at extremely high speeds and maneuver as they descend,” raising concerns among U.S. analysts that the regime may be receiving targeting or guidance assistance from China or Russia.
The strike breached defenses despite the presence of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery defending the installation. U.S. military sources said the salvo still hit housing units and flight lines, underscoring vulnerabilities even when advanced missile defenses are in place.
In response, U.S. and allied forces are reinforcing the region.
Washington is dispatching F-16 fighters from Germany, F-35 stealth jets from the United Kingdom, and additional aerial refueling tankers to bolster deterrence and defensive coverage in the Middle East, Dailyeconomy gathered.
Iran on Saturday formally withdrew from a Memorandum of Understanding governing incidents in the region, and senior Iranian commander Mojtaba warned of “unforgettable lessons” should strikes continue, according to Iranian state messaging.
The strike marks a sharp escalation in Iran’s direct attacks on U.S. forces outside its borders and adds to growing U.S. concern about Tehran’s evolving missile capabilities and potential foreign support for targeting. U.S. officials continue to assess damage, casualties, and the origin of advanced guidance technologies used in the assault.
