DID Press: A US military MQ-9 Reaper drone was destroyed and another was damaged following an incident at the Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, after debris from an intercepted missile reportedly struck the facility, according to international media reports.
Citing Bloomberg and other outlets, reports say a ballistic missile—attributed in some accounts to Iran—was launched toward the base but was intercepted by Kuwait’s air defense systems.
While the missile was successfully intercepted, fragments from the explosion reportedly fell onto the base, causing damage to U.S. military assets, including at least one MQ-9 Reaper drone, a high-value unmanned aerial system used for surveillance and strike missions.
According to the reports, around five U.S. personnel and contractors sustained minor injuries. The MQ-9 drone was completely destroyed, while another drone reportedly suffered significant damage.
The Al-Salem Air Base is considered a key operational hub for the United States Armed Forces in the Gulf region and hosts advanced reconnaissance and aviation assets.
No party has claimed responsibility for the incident, and official statements from U.S., Kuwaiti, and Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the details.
The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions, with analysts warning that any escalation could further complicate negotiations and regional stability.