Special forces base struck by swarm of drones amid fears Putin is helping Iran
Special forces base struck by drone attack as suspicions grow over Russian-Iranian collaboration
A drone strike targeted a joint Special Forces base in Erbil, the Kurdistan regional capital, injuring U.S. personnel during the incident. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, raised concerns about potential Russian support for Iran’s military strategies.
Brigadier Guy Foden, a commander at Britain’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, stated: “Our personnel in Erbil are actively assisting in the defense of the base. Last night, they successfully downed two UAVs, but several drones still managed to reach the area.”
According to The Sun, American soldiers were wounded in the assault, while the British forces reported no casualties. Lt Gen Nick Perry, head of UK global operations, informed Defence Secretary John Healey that the injuries were not life-threatening. “All our people remain safe, touch wood,” Perry added during the briefing, “though the Americans faced some casualties last night, with no major consequences.”
The incident follows claims that Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hands” might be influencing Iran’s tactics in the Middle East. During a visit to Northwood military headquarters in Hertfordshire on Thursday, Healey noted the growing evidence of a connection between Russia and Iran, including the use of drones.
Healey explained: “We are currently analyzing the drone that struck a hangar at Akrotiri for any traces of Russian or foreign components. I believe few would be surprised to think Putin’s unseen influence contributes to some of Iran’s strategies and capabilities, especially since his leadership benefits from rising oil prices.”
In response to the attack, the UK has deployed air combat patrols over Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, supported by Voyager refuelling missions. RAF jets continue to defend British interests and allies, with over 300 operational hours logged by pilots in recent weeks.
Overnight, a Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit neutralized two drones in the region, preventing potential harm to civilians. This comes after Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first message of retaliation for his nation’s losses following the U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Khamenei declared: “We will not hesitate to avenge the martyrs’ blood. Our planned retaliation extends beyond the death of the revolution’s great leader; each martyr is a separate cause for retribution.”
He warned that strikes on neighboring military installations will continue, citing years of Iranian efforts to establish strategic footholds in the region. The recent attack highlighted the use of bases, reinforcing the threat of further escalations. Meanwhile, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has already driven heating oil prices to double in a week.
