U.S. Troops Wounded in Iran War Exceed 300
WASHINGTON (AP) — The count of American service members injured in the Iran conflict has surpassed 300, with over 20 troops sustaining injuries this week due to attacks on a Saudi air base.
Iran launched six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, resulting in at least 15 injuries among troops, five of whom were seriously hurt, according to sources familiar with the details. Initial reports from U.S. officials indicated that at least 10 American personnel were injured, including two suffering serious wounds.
READ MORE: U.S. troops wounded, planes damaged in Iranian strike on Saudi air base, official says
Additional U.S. forces are being deployed to the Middle East, including a Navy ship with approximately 2,500 Marines arriving in the region, as announced by U.S. Central Command on Saturday. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and its accompanying 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit were previously stationed in Japan and were redirected to the Middle East after participating in exercises near Taiwan.
Central Command stated that besides the Marines, the Tripoli carries transport and strike fighter aircraft, along with amphibious assault resources. The USS Boxer and two other vessels, alongside another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have also been dispatched from San Diego to bolster forces in the area.
Prior to the Marines’ arrival, the U.S. military had already established its largest presence in the region in over two decades, including two aircraft carriers, various warships, and around 50,000 troops. The USS Gerald R Ford, the newest U.S. aircraft carrier, recently departed the Middle East for maintenance in Europe after sustaining damage in a laundry room fire affecting some crew quarters.
WATCH: As more U.S. forces head to Mideast, military experts analyze capabilities
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that the U.S. could achieve its objectives “without any ground troops,” while emphasizing that President Trump needs to be ready for various scenarios. He noted that American forces are prepared to provide the president with significant options should unexpected situations arise.
