The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Wednesday afternoon to have launched attacks on Jordan's King Faisal Air Base and Prince Hassan Air Base, Iranian state media reported. The IRGC asserted that these strikes were a response to what it described as "aggressive attacks" by the US in recent nights, stating, "The US's aggressive attacks in recent nights were carried out under the pretext of retaliating for the explosion of offending ships [in the Strait of Hormuz]." The group further alleged, "The IRGC's Aerospace Force once again smashed US bases in Jordan in response to the enemy's aggression."
During the claimed attacks, the IRGC stated, "In the first phase of the response, a missile and drone attack on King Faisal and Prince Hassan bases targeted an F-15 preparation shed." The IRGC also claimed that eight new and refurbished MQ-9 drones were "completely destroyed" and two others were "heavily damaged" in a drone preparation shed. Additionally, it asserted, "In a subsequent attack on a helicopter hangar, two US military helicopters were severely damaged," and "A number of invading forces were killed and wounded." No injuries have been reported according to the facts provided. The Pentagon has not yet commented on these alleged attacks. The IRGC warned, "If the aggressions continue, we will prepare for a regretful operation that will lead to a declaration of public mourning in the US."
Details of Alleged Attacks
The IRGC-run Fars News Agency reported that drones were launched towards hangars and other structures utilized by the US Air Force at a military installation in Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that two US military helicopters were severely damaged during the alleged attacks. The IRGC asserted that "In a subsequent attack on a helicopter hangar, two US military helicopters were severely damaged." King Faisal Air Base, one of the targets identified by the IRGC, is situated in the southern part of the kingdom, near the area of al-Jafr. Another alleged target, Prince Hassan Air Base, is located in the northern region of the kingdom, close to Sawafi.
The Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army reported that four Iranian drones were intercepted within Jordanian airspace. The IRGC stated its actions were a response to US military operations, claiming, "The US's aggressive attacks in recent nights were carried out under the pretext of retaliating for the explosion of offending ships [in the Strait of Hormuz]." The group elaborated on its justification, stating, "Last night, despite the temptation of ship crews, no vessel dared to attempt the illegal passage south of the strait. The child-killing American army did not abandon its aggressive nature and repeated air and missile attacks on a number of our military and civilian centers, and is now receiving crushing responses." The IRGC further declared, "The IRGC's Aerospace Force once again smashed US bases in Jordan in response to the enemy's aggression."
Outlining the specifics of the claimed assault, the IRGC said, "In the first phase of the response, a missile and drone attack on King Faisal and Prince Hassan bases targeted an F-15 preparation shed. In addition, in an attack on a drone preparation shed, eight new and refurbished MQ-9 drones were completely destroyed before they could be constructed, and two others were heavily damaged." The IRGC also alleged that "A number of invading forces were killed and wounded." The group issued a warning regarding future actions, stating, "If the aggressions continue, we will prepare for a regretful operation that will lead to a declaration of public mourning in the US." According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), no Iron Dome interceptors were launched in response to the events, and no debris from Jordan's interception of drones fell within Israeli territory.
Context and Previous Incidents
Earlier this month, an Iranian strike on the airport injured five US soldiers posted to the base. The US Air Force has utilized Prince Hassan Air Base periodically, with its presence dating back to at least the 1980s. In a separate development, sirens sounded in Saudi Arabia following detected Iranian attacks toward the country. On Wednesday afternoon, sirens also sounded in Sirik, Iran, amid reports of airstrikes. An Arkia flight travelling from Ben-Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport experienced a delay in its landing. The aircraft was forced to circle in the air until authorities could confirm that the runway was clear of any debris.
IRGC Statements and Warnings
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed its actions were a direct response to US military operations, stating, "The US's aggressive attacks in recent nights were carried out under the pretext of retaliating for the explosion of offending ships [in the Strait of Hormuz]." The group further elaborated on its justification, claiming, "Last night, despite the temptation of ship crews, no vessel dared to attempt the illegal passage south of the strait. The child-killing American army did not abandon its aggressive nature and repeated air and missile attacks on a number of our military and civilian centers, and is now receiving crushing responses." The IRGC declared that "The IRGC's Aerospace Force once again smashed US bases in Jordan in response to the enemy's aggression."
Outlining the specifics of the claimed assault, the IRGC said, "In the first phase of the response, a missile and drone attack on King Faisal and Prince Hassan bases targeted an F-15 preparation shed. In addition, in an attack on a drone preparation shed, eight new and refurbished MQ-9 drones were completely destroyed before they could be constructed, and two others were heavily damaged." The IRGC also claimed that "In a subsequent attack on a helicopter hangar, two US military helicopters were severely damaged." Furthermore, the IRGC alleged that "A number of invading forces were killed and wounded." Smoke was seen rising from the Aqaba area in Jordan after Iran launched missiles toward Jordan earlier on Wednesday. Jordanian state media reported that six Iranian missiles were intercepted. The IRGC issued a warning regarding future actions, stating, "If the aggressions continue, we will prepare for a regretful operation that will lead to a declaration of public mourning in the US."
