Iran strikes UAE base hosting US troops with explosive drones

Iran's military said early Monday it launched dozens of explosive drones at US forces stationed at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, describing the operation as direct retaliation for American strikes on Iranian territory that killed Revolutionary Guard personnel and civilians.

Army statement

"Since early this morning, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army has targeted locations housing US military helicopters and personnel at Al Minhad base in the UAE with dozens of explosive drones," the army said in a statement carried by Iranian news agencies. It described the facility as an important logistics and air transport hub for foreign forces and vowed further strikes against American troops.

US strike on Larak Island

The attack followed Sunday's US strike on two Iranian launchers positioned on Larak Island — the first American attack on Iranian territory since late July. Washington said the operation targeted systems being prepared to deploy sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said several of its fighters and civilians were killed or injured in the Larak Island strike and pledged to respond. Iran's Tasnim news agency reported preliminary information indicated the drone attack on Al Minhad was carried out by unmanned aircraft.