The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it carried out an attack on a site housing American pilots and aviation crews in Al-Kharj province, southeast of Riyadh, using drones and missiles. The operation reportedly struck a gathering of approximately 200 personnel.
Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, confirmed the operation, stating that the strike targeted a location where US aviation staff were present. He asserted that the attack resulted in injuries among a group of around 200 individuals.
Claimed Damage and Military Messaging
In a statement posted on X, Mousavi indicated that the operation adds to what he described as cumulative losses inflicted on the United States. He referenced previous damage to airborne early warning and control aircraft, refuelling aircraft, and fuel storage infrastructure, claiming that aviation crews have now also been directly affected.
The IRGC issued a broader warning, declaring that it would escalate its response to what it described as ongoing assassinations carried out by US and Israeli forces. It stated that, moving forward, American companies would be targeted in retaliation for such actions.
Threats Against Technology and AI-Linked Entities
The statement further identified US technology sectors, particularly firms involved in information and communications technology and artificial intelligence, as key components in what it described as the design and tracking of assassination targets. On this basis, the IRGC declared these institutions to be legitimate targets.
It called on employees of such companies to immediately distance themselves from their workplaces, warning that these sites could be targeted. Residents living near these facilities across the region were also urged to evacuate areas within a one-kilometre radius for their safety.
Escalating Regional Confrontation
Since 28 February, the United States and Israel have been engaged in sustained military operations against Iran, resulting in significant casualties and the assassination of senior political and military figures, including Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones towards Israeli targets.
Iran has also expanded its operations to target what it describes as US bases and interests in several Arab countries. Some of these attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, prompting condemnation from affected states, which have called for an immediate halt to such actions.
