Daijiworld Media Network – Amman
Amman, Sep 10: Several US military aircraft were damaged in an overnight Iranian missile attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, according to CBS News, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Around eight US F-15 fighter jets sustained minor damage in the attack but were reportedly returned to service. An A-10 Thunderbolt, popularly known as the ‘Warthog’, suffered significant damage, with one of its wings reportedly destroyed.
US forces deployed more than 30 Patriot missiles in an effort to defend the air base against the Iranian attack.
Footage circulating online showed repeated explosions over what appeared to be Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, while Iranian state media released footage purportedly showing missiles being launched towards Jordan.
Jordan's armed forces said its air-defence systems intercepted 18 of the 20 ballistic missiles launched towards the country. The remaining two missiles landed in unpopulated areas. No casualties were reported.
The attack followed US strikes on five Iranian tankers on Tuesday, which Washington said were carried out in retaliation for Iran targeting a US Navy warship.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently claimed to have launched attacks on eight tankers and two warships, including the US base in Jordan.
In a statement reported by state-backed IRNA, the IRGC said it had “struck the American Al-Azraq base in Jordan with heavy missile strikes” as part of what it described as a “punitive operation”.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the American warship targeted by Iran evaded the attacks and continued operating in regional waters. No US personnel were injured.
The five Iranian tankers targeted by US forces were identified as M/T Kaviz, M/T Charminar, M/T Horizon 1, M/T Riesco and M/T Derya. Four were struck in the Gulf of Oman, while the fifth was targeted near Iran’s Kharg Island.
US President Donald Trump confirmed American responsibility for the strikes against Iranian maritime assets and oil transport networks, warning that further action would follow.
“We've knocked out nine of their ships; I would say that the attacks are caused by us — and you're going to see a lot more,” Trump told reporters.