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President Donald Trump said four U.S. Air Force tanker planes are “back in service” following reports of damage from an Iranian missile strike in Saudi Arabia.
Five U.S. Air Force refueling tanks were damaged, but not completely destroyed, in a strike at Prince Sultan air base in recent days, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. No one was killed, and officials are now working to repair the tankers, the outlet’s sources said.
In a Saturday morning Truth Social post, Trump railed against the “Fake News Media” and said the base was “hit a few days ago.” None of the planes were “‘struck’ or ‘destroyed,’” he added.
“Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service,” Trump wrote. “One had slightly more damage, but will be in the air shortly.”
President Donald Trump said Saturday four U.S. tanker planes are ‘already back in service’ following reports of an Iranian strike in Saudi Arabia (AFP via Getty Images)
At least seven U.S. Air Force refueling planes have been damaged or destroyed amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to the Journal.
The Independent has contacted U.S. Central Command for comment. The Pentagon declined to comment.
This comes after U.S. officials announced a U.S. KC-135 refueling plane went down Thursday in western Iraq while flying over friendly airspace. All six crew members were killed.
“The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” U.S. Central Command said Friday.
At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began Feb. 28.
Recent polling has found that many Americans oppose the Iran war. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted this month found that 56 percent of people said they’re against the military campaign.
A Quinnipiac University survey released Monday similarly found that 53 percent of voters oppose military action against Iran, and 74 percent are against sending in ground troops.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
