Iran Destroys US AWACS at Saudi Base, Killing EC-130H Crew, Strikes Kill 21

Iranian forces destroyed a US E-3 Sentry AWACS at Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base.

“Analysts say that destroying the U”

CNN Arabic

CNN Arabic explained the AWACS monitors 120,000 square miles and tracks 600 targets.

CNN Arabic

The Guardian noted it was one of 16 operational E-3s in service since the 1960s.

NBC quoted an analyst saying Iran is gradually eating away at the US network of early warning systems.

The Jerusalem Post described it as a coordinated precision barrage of a missile and several drones.

The New York Post reported twelve US service members injured, two seriously.

Iranian strikes also damaged multiple US Air Force refueling tankers.

CENTCOM reported twelve US personnel wounded in the latest strike.

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Iran's Ministry of Defense claimed damage valued at $5 billion.

Zelenskyy said Russian spy satellites photographed the base three times before the attack.

“The destruction by Iran of a warning and control system aircraft on an American base in Saudi Arabia on Friday could affect the U”

NBC News

The Guardian noted Moscow was reportedly providing intelligence to Iran – a claim denied by Russia.

CBS News reported the Air Force did not issue an aerial warning before the strike.

The E-3's journey ended at CNN Arabic, which geolocated photos of the destroyed aircraft.

This marks the first E-3 lost to enemy action since 1991.

New York Post

The US has 15 E-3s remaining; five Combat Sentinels are scheduled for retirement.