Several U.S. personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq, as confirmed by U.S. defense officials. The attack is part of a recent increase in strikes on American forces by Iranian-backed militias, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The incident occurred at al-Asad air base, where troops are currently assessing the injuries and damage. It is reported that as many as seven military troops and civilians were injured in the attack. While Iraqi security officials confirmed the incident, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Reports of a possible second attack at the base were investigated by U.S. officials, who later confirmed that no additional attack had taken place. The White House stated that the president and vice president were briefed on the situation.
In recent weeks, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have resumed launching attacks on bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. This comes after a period of relative calm following a strike on a base in Jordan in late January, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers and subsequent retaliatory U.S. strikes.
From October to January, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group, claimed responsibility for a series of attacks. The group cited reasons such as retaliation against U.S. support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza and the objective of pushing U.S. troops out of the region.
