BAGHDAD, Iraq: Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport early Tuesday, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Initial reports suggested US military forces were targeted, but a US defense official denied this, confirming all personnel were accounted for. The rockets caused damage to vehicles near Iraqi counter-terrorism buildings but resulted in no casualties.
Iraqi security sources confirmed three rockets were launched, with one causing fire damage, while earlier reports suggested US forces were targeted at a nearby military base. However, the U.S. clarified the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Complex, a Department of State facility, was affected. The State Department is currently assessing the damage.
This attack comes amid heightened tensions as Iran-backed groups have vowed retaliation following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iraq, which hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and Iran-backed militias, has become a focal point of these growing hostilities. Iran-aligned factions in Iraq have frequently attacked U.S. troops since the Gaza conflict began.
