Special forces base struck by swarm of drones amid fears Putin is helping Iran
Special forces base attacked by drone swarm amid suspicions of Russian-Iranian collaboration
A joint military installation in Erbil, the Kurdish regional capital, was targeted by a coordinated drone assault on Wednesday night, resulting in injuries to American personnel. The incident has raised concerns about potential Russian support for Iranian military strategies, according to officials.
Brigadier Guy Foden, stationed at Britain’s Permanent Joint Headquarters, reported that UK forces were assisting in the protection of the base. “Two unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted, but several others successfully breached the perimeter,” he stated, highlighting the threat posed by the drone attack.
Following the strike, Defence Secretary John Healey was briefed at Northwood military headquarters in Hertfordshire. Lt Gen Nick Perry, commander of UK global operations, confirmed the US casualties were non-fatal, adding that all British troops remained unharmed. “We’re keeping a close watch on the situation, but the Americans sustained some injuries last night—nothing too severe,” Perry noted.
Russian-Iranian tactical ties under scrutiny
Healey suggested that Putin’s influence could be shaping Iran’s tactics in the Middle East. “There are clear indications of a connection between Russia and Iran, including the use of drones, which we’ve learned about from Russian sources,” he explained. The analysis of a drone that damaged a hangar at Akrotiri is ongoing, with hopes of uncovering foreign components linked to the attack.
RAF Typhoon and F-35B jets have maintained defensive patrols over Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, bolstered by Voyager refueling support. British pilots have accumulated over 300 operational flight hours, neutralizing multiple drones in recent weeks. A Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit also downed two unmanned vehicles overnight, preventing potential casualties.
Iran vows retaliation after leader’s death
The attack followed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public declaration of vengeance following the death of his father in a US-Israeli strike. In a written statement, the new Supreme Leader of Iran promised: “We will not hesitate to avenge the blood of our martyrs. Every life lost to the enemy is a separate cause for retaliation.”
Despite reports of his leg injury and abdominal trauma from the attack that killed his family, Khamenei’s message was broadcast via Iranian state television. Some media outlets claim he is currently in a coma, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The incident has intensified tensions over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, where the nation has warned ships to avoid passage. This has led to a sharp rise in heating oil prices. Healey emphasized the need for international cooperation: “The threat to global oil markets is significant, and resolving it is a shared priority.”
