At least seven U.S. personnel were injured in a rocket attack on Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq on Monday, according to U.S. defense officials. The attack has been attributed to Iran-aligned militia groups.
Two Katyusha rockets were fired from a modified truck towards the base, with one rocket reportedly landing inside the base perimeter. The injured personnel include five servicemembers and two contractors. While five of the injured are receiving care at Al Asad, two have been evacuated for further treatment. All are in stable condition, with injuries primarily described as traumatic brain injuries and shrapnel wounds.
In response to the attack, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the situation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, highlighting the destabilizing role of Iran and its proxies in the region. President Biden, briefed on the attack, emphasized the U.S. commitment to defending its forces stationed in the middle east.
This incident occurs amidst heightened concerns of a broader conflict in the Middle East, following the assassination of key militant leaders and Iran’s vows of retaliation. The attack on Al Asad Airbase is part of a pattern of strikes on U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq, reminiscent of the 2020 missile attack by Iran on the same base after the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
The Pentagon is conducting a post-strike damage assessment to fully understand the impact of the attack. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for efforts to de-escalate the situation, urging regional actors to avoid further provocations.
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