March 14, 2026 – A missile attack targeting a U.S. Air Force base in Saudi Arabia has damaged five American KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, according to reports from multiple news outlets. The incident, carried out by Iran, adds another layer to escalating tensions in the Middle East and raises concerns about the safety of U.S. Military assets in the region.
The attack focused on the ‘Prince Sultan’ Air Base in Saudi Arabia, where the refueling aircraft were stationed. Whereas the planes were reportedly damaged, they were not completely destroyed and repair efforts are underway, the Chosun Ilbo reported.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday, March 13, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members aboard. The Hankyung detailed the announcement.
According to MSN, the Wall Street Journal first reported the damage to the five U.S. Air Force refueling planes.
The incident involving the downed KC-135, which was reportedly preparing to deploy in support of potential operations against Iran, further underscores the heightened risk of direct confrontation. KBS News also covered the incident.
The development underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic talks. The extent of the damage and the precise circumstances surrounding the attacks are still under investigation.
