Over 300 US service members wounded since start of conflict as tensions escalate despite ceasefire signals
UNIPA News(Washington D.C) 28 March-Twelve United States troops were wounded, including two in critical condition, and several military aircraft sustained damage following an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to US officials on Friday (March 27).
The latest incident brings the total number of wounded US service members to more than 300 since the conflict with Iran began on February 28.
The attack, involving both an Iranian missile and multiple drones, came just one day after President Donald Trump განაცხადა that Iran had been “obliterated,” while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that “never in recorded history has a nation’s military been so quickly and so effectively neutralised.”
Prince Sultan Air Base has previously been targeted during the ongoing conflict. On March 1, Army Sergeant Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was injured in a similar strike and later succumbed to his injuries. He is among the 13 US service members confirmed killed in the war so far.
Satellite imagery circulating online appears to show damage to aircraft from the latest attack. The incident was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Earlier on Friday, US Central Command stated that over 300 service members have been wounded during the month-long conflict. While the majority have since recovered and returned to duty, approximately 30 remain sidelined, including 10 in serious condition.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has reportedly presented a 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.
Iran has denied that any negotiations are currently underway. At the same time, tensions remain high as Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, driving fuel prices upward and impacting the global economy. However, Iranian officials said on Friday that they would allow humanitarian and agricultural shipments to pass through the vital waterway.
Despite ongoing diplomatic signals, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 additional troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days. The unit is specially trained for rapid deployment into hostile or contested areas to secure strategic locations, including airfields.
In addition, two Marine units are being mobilised, which will bring approximately 5,000 Marines and thousands of naval personnel into the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Washington believes it can achieve its objectives without deploying ground combat troops.
Regarding the troop buildup, Rubio noted, “We are always going to be prepared to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge,” speaking to reporters following the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in France.
