At least five American personnel were injured in a Rocket Attack on the Al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. Two Katyusha rockets hit the base on Monday, with one of the injured Americans reported to be in serious condition. The number of casualties might change as more details emerge.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been informed about the Rocket Attack. The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Israel bracing for a possible ground operation due to recent high-profile assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which were linked to Iran.
Read more: US Launches Strikes in Iraq Amid Rising Tensions
It is uncertain whether the Rocket Attack is related to Iran’s threats of retaliation for the killing of the Hamas leader.
A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the attack on US and Coalition forces at Al-Asad, stating that an assessment of the damage is underway.
Between October 17, 2023, and January 29, 2024, there were over 150 attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria. The frequency of these attacks decreased after a significant US response following a drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan in January.
President Biden emphasized that while the US does not seek conflict, any harm to American personnel will be met with a strong response.
