Special forces base struck by swarm of drones amid fears Putin is helping Iran
Special forces base struck by swarm of drones amid fears Putin is helping Iran
A British SAS facility suffered a drone assault, resulting in injuries to American troops, amid concerns that Russian leader Vladimir Putin might be aiding Iran’s strategic efforts.
Iranian drones launched an attack on a shared military installation in Erbil, the regional capital of Kurdistan, during the early hours of Wednesday. Brigadier Guy Foden, who oversees Britain’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, disclosed:
‘Our teams in Erbil are actively contributing to the protection of the base, though several unmanned aerial vehicles did reach the site.’
While U.S. personnel sustained injuries, the British contingent reported zero casualties. Lt Gen Nick Perry, head of UK joint operations, noted at a briefing:
‘Our forces are secure, but the Americans faced some injuries, none of which were critical.’
This follows the defense secretary’s assertion that Vladimir Putin’s influence may be subtly shaping Iran’s military strategies in the Middle East. On Thursday, Defence Secretary John Healey toured the Northwood military command center in Hertfordshire, receiving updates on ongoing UK operations in the area.
When questioned about specific examples, Healey explained:
‘We are currently examining the drone that hit Akrotiri’s hangar to identify any Russian or foreign elements, including components and parts.’
RAF Typhoon and F-35B jets have continued defensive air operations over Jordan, Qatar and the UAE, with support from Voyager air-to-air refuelling in defense of British interests and allies. British pilots have now racked up more than 300 operational flying hours and shot down multiple drones in defense of our allies and partners.
Overnight, a British Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit also took down two drones in the region that were threatening lives on the ground. The incident occurred following Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s inaugural declaration of retaliation against the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed his father.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader said in a written statement:
‘I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The revenge we are considering is not only related to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy is an independent subject for the revenge case.’
He warned that he would ‘inevitably’ continue strikes on military bases in neighboring countries, adding:
‘The enemy has been gradually establishing military and financial bases in some of these countries for years in order to secure its dominance over the region.’
