An AC-130 gunship destroyed a truck in Western Iraq after Iranian-backed militia fighters used it to launch a ballistic missile attack on U.S. troops, injuring eight Americans. The AC-130 crew was able to take action because they observed the militants and the launch of the missile. This incident marked the first ballistic missile attack on U.S. troops in Iraq or Syria since October 17, and it was a direct response to the attack against American forces.
  

Key points: 

1. An AC-130 gunship destroyed a truck in Western Iraq after Iranian-backed militia fighters launched a ballistic missile attack on U.S. troops.
2. The AC-130 crew observed the militants and the missile launch, allowing them to respond quickly.
3. This was the first ballistic missile attack on U.S. troops in Iraq or Syria since October 17, and it was a direct response to the attack against American forces.
4. U.S. officials warned that Iran is using proxies to widen the conflict in the Middle East, targeting American service members.
5. The type of ballistic missile used in the attack was not specified, but it had characteristics similar to Iranian missiles.

Source: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/us-military-ac-130-iraq/