A rocket strike targeted Iraq’s Ain al-Asad airbase in Anbar province around 9 pm, injuring several US personnel per “initial indications,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said the attack was conducted by “Iran-aligned militia.”
The Iraqi joint operations command statement said that two rockets were launched towards the base on Monday, and then security forces tracked down a vehicle after the attack, which was carrying eight rockets ready to be fired.
“While we affirm our adherence to Iraq's sovereignty and independence…” read the statement, “we reject all reckless actions and practices that target Iraqi bases, diplomatic missions, and locations of international coalition advisors, and everything that would raise tension in the region, or drag Iraq into dangerous situations and repercussions, or harm the interests of various states.”
Relevant authorities have reached “important information” regarding suspects of the attack, which are currently being tracked to be brought to justice, according to the statement.
Tensions have been high between Washington and Baghdad since the start of the latest chapter in the Israel-Palestine conflict in October. Pro-Iran Iraqi militias have carried out over 165 attacks on US troops based in Iraq and Syria in condemnation of the US government’s support of Israel.
The US has responded with several retaliatory strikes, strongly condemned by the Iraqi government.
The attacks were largely halted since April but resumed in late July with several reported strikes from both sides.
