Editor’s note: This is a developing story.
Ten U.S. service members were wounded Friday in an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal first reported.
Two of the 10 personnel, all of whom were reportedly inside an installation building at the time of the attack, are in serious condition.
Attempts to contact U.S. Central Command had not been returned as of publication.
Friday’s strike, which reportedly involved drones as well, comes as the U.S. military continues to pour assets into the increasingly tense region.
The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed elements from the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters and a brigade combat team are slated to deploy to the Middle East.
The 82nd Airborne Division, based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, acts as the Army’s rapid-response force and is often among the first units sent to respond to emerging crises.
U.S. Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which would include up to 5,000 personnel and several warships, are also reportedly steaming toward the Middle East after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from CENTCOM to help combat Iran’s regional attacks.
The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group includes the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS New Orleans and USS San Diego and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, has also been rumored to serve as a potential reinforcement. The groupe deployed in recent weeks and is currently operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in the eastern Pacific.
Marines and sailors with the 11th MEU carried out a large-scale amphibious assault exercise on March 2 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, prior to steaming toward open water.
