Choose your news

Rocket Attack Wounds U.S. Personnel in Iraq

dailynewsmissouriimage

Several U.S. personnel were wounded in a suspected rocket attack on the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, which hosts Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition forces.

Why it matters: The attack marks a dangerous escalation in the region amid heightened tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran-aligned militia groups.

The details:

  • The Iraqi military intercepted a vehicle carrying rockets after the attack, with two rockets launched and eight more prepared for launch.
  • The Pentagon blamed Iran-aligned militia groups for the attack, emphasizing Iran’s destabilizing role in the region.
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s security in the face of threats from Iran and its proxies.

The attack comes just days after Austin’s trip to the region, sending additional military resources to the Middle East.

The reaction: Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urged President Biden to release weapons to Israel, criticizing the administration’s approach and calling for decisive action against Iran and its proxies.

  • “After repeated attacks on American troops in the region, and while Israel is under threat from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, the U.S. cannot hesitate to defend our servicemembers and our ally,” Johnson stated.
  • He emphasized that any attack by Iran against Israel or the U.S. should be met with “decisive force” and called for strong counteraction.

The background: Tensions have been high in the Middle East following the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

What’s next: The U.S. military is conducting a post-attack damage assessment and pursuing the perpetrators, while leaders and commanders responsible for security breaches in the area will be held accountable.

Full story

Several U.S. personnel were wounded in a suspected rocket attack on Monday at the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, according to a U.S. defense official. The official confirmed that the attack targeted U.S. and Coalition forces at the base, with initial reports indicating injuries to U.S. personnel. Base personnel are currently assessing the damage in the aftermath of the attack.

The U.S. Defense Department has blamed Iran-aligned militia groups for the escalation, calling it a “dangerous” development.

In a call between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the two agreed that the attack demonstrated Iran’s destabilizing role in the region. Austin reiterated the “unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel’s security in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned militia groups,” according to a Pentagon readout.

The Iraqi military intercepted a vehicle carrying rockets after the attack.

Rocket attack injures U.S. personnel

They stated that two rockets were launched from the vehicle in the Haditha district, with eight more prepared for launch.

The perpetrators are being pursued, and those responsible for security breaches in the area will be held accountable, according to the Iraqi military. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week and the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut. Israel has not commented on Haniyeh’s death.

U.S. officials have previously blamed attacks on troops in Iraq and Syria on Iran-backed militia groups. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said last month that a drone attack on Al-Asad was “most likely” carried out by Iranian-supported groups. Between October 17 and January 29, there were more than 150 attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.

President Joe Biden has emphasized that the U.S. does not seek conflict but will respond if any American is harmed.


We rely on trusted sources to provide accurate and reliable information to our readers. Our editorial process uses a combination of primary sources, expert interviews, and reputable secondary sources to ensure the quality and integrity of our content. We strive to maintain high standards of journalism and provide transparent attribution to our sources. You can learn more about our editorial process and standards in our editorial guidelines.

  • Reuters.”Rockets fired at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad airbase housing US forces, security sources say”.
  • CNN.”Several US personnel injured in rocket attack on Iraq base, official says”.
  • TheHill.”Johnson calls on Biden to release weapons to Israel following rocket attack on US base”.

DailyNewsMissouri > News > National > Rocket Attack Wounds U.S. Personnel in Iraq

More recent news

© 2024 DailyNewsMissouri.com, All Rights Reserved.
Privacy policy