BAGHDAD, Iraq: A recent rocket attack on Ain Assad base in western Iraq wounded several US personnel on Monday, intensifying already high regional tensions.
This base, which hosts American troops and personnel from the US-led coalition against Daesh, was hit by multiple rockets, marking the latest in a series of such attacks.
A US defence spokesperson confirmed the suspected rocket attack, noting that initial indications suggest injuries among US personnel. Base personnel are currently assessing the damage.
An Iraqi military source reported that several rockets were fired, with some hitting the base and one landing in a nearby village without causing damage. A commander from a pro-Iran armed group mentioned that at least two rockets targeted the base, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The attack occurs amidst escalating fears of a broader conflict, with anticipation of an Iranian counterattack on Israel following the recent assassination of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in strikes attributed to Israel. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed retaliation, raising concerns of further regional destabilization.
The “Axis of Resistance,” comprising militant groups including Iraqi factions and Yemen’s Houthis, has already been drawn into the ongoing conflict.
Monday’s rocket attack follows a recent US strike on combatants attempting to launch drones, which were considered a threat to US and allied forces. This strike, reportedly resulting in four casualties, marked the first US action in Iraq since February.
Earlier this month, US and allied forces in Iraq were targeted in attacks on July 16 and 25, with previous attacks halting in April. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for many of these attacks, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
A significant incident in January involved a drone strike killing three US soldiers at a base in Jordan, leading to multiple US retaliatory strikes against fighters in Iraq and Syria.
Baghdad is actively seeking to de-escalate tensions through negotiations with Washington regarding the future of the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq. Currently, the US military maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria.
