According to a US defense official, a suspected rocket attack targeted US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq on Monday, resulting in injuries to multiple US personnel.
The official confirmed the occurrence of the suspected rocket attack, stating, “Initial assessments suggest that several US personnel sustained injuries. The base officials are currently assessing the damage caused by the attack.”
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the assault took place while the US anticipated potential Iranian retaliation related to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, as reported by CNN.
Notably, Israel has refrained from commenting on Haniyeh’s death. The situation intensified as Hezbollah in Lebanon vowed retribution against Israel following the killing of one of its senior commanders in Beirut shortly before Haniyeh’s assassination.
In a recent move, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin dispatched additional military resources to the area, including a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and extra warships to the Middle East.
While the responsible party for the rocket attack on Monday remains undisclosed, US authorities have often attributed such assaults on troops in Iraq and Syria to militia groups supported by Iran.
Last month, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that following a drone attack on Al-Asad, it was “highly likely” carried out by factions backed by Iran.
From October 17 to January 29, over 150 attacks targeted US personnel in Iraq and Syria. The frequency of these attacks diminished after three American soldiers were killed in a drone attack at a small US outpost in Jordan, prompting a substantial US counteraction targeting 85 locations across seven sites.
During that period, President Biden emphasized, “The US is not looking for conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere. However, those contemplating harm against Americans should be aware – any assault on an American will receive a response.”