Skip to content 
A rocket attack on Ain al Assad base in western Iraq has left seven US personnel wounded, US defense officials reported on Monday. This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, with concerns about a potential Iranian counterattack on Israel.
Read also: Pakistan Railways to Reissue Tenders for Train Outsourcing Amid Challenges
The base, which hosts both American troops and personnel from the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group, has been the target of multiple recent attacks. A US defense spokesperson stated that a suspected rocket attack took place, resulting in injuries to several US personnel. Base authorities are currently assessing the damage.
Iraqi officials confirmed that two rockets were fired at the base. Security forces subsequently seized a truck containing eight rockets prepared for launch and are pursuing the attackers.
This attack follows a series of recent incidents, including US forces striking combatants attempting to launch drones near allied troops last week. The strike, which Iraqi sources claim resulted in four fatalities, was the first by American forces in Iraq since February.
The Iraqi government has expressed strong opposition to any aggression on Iraqi soil, whether from internal or external sources. They emphasized that Iraqi territory should not be used for “settling scores” that could lead to war.
The incident adds to the already tense situation in the region, with fears of potential retaliation by Iran and its allies against Israel following recent strikes on Hamas and Hezbollah figures.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the attack. The White House stated that they discussed measures to defend US forces and respond to any attacks on American personnel.
This event marks a resurgence in attacks on US and allied forces in Iraq, which had largely subsided since the early months of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Prior to recent incidents, US troops in Iraq and Syria had not been targeted since April.
