Iranian-backed Militias Launch Missile Attack on Al-Assad Airbase in Iraq

Monday January 22, 2024 - 14:23:13
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Staff Reporter
The perimeter of Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq hosting US troops
The perimeter of Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq hosting US troops
Baghdad (diplomat.so) - Iranian-backed militias carried out a missile attack on Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq on Saturday, targeting U.S. forces stationed at the base. The assault, which occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. (Baghdad time), involved a barrage of ballistic missiles and rockets, as reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
According to CENTCOM, the air defense systems at the Al-Assad airbase successfully intercepted most of the incoming projectiles. However, some missiles did impact the base, leading to ongoing damage assessments. U.S. personnel are currently undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries, and at least one Iraqi service member was reported wounded.

This attack stands out as the largest among more than 140 incidents targeting U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October, which the United States attributes to Iranian-backed militia groups. The motives behind these attacks are believed to be in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, similar to the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by Houthi militants.

Notably, Saturday's assault included the use of ballistic missiles, a departure from the predominantly drone and rocket attacks seen in previous incidents. The introduction of such weaponry is seen as a concerning escalation.

The response from the United States remains uncertain at this time. Past attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq have triggered retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias. The situation is complex, with a recent U.S. military drone strike in Baghdad on January 4, resulting in the death of a senior militia leader. Calls for the withdrawal of the 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, part of the ongoing mission to counter the Islamic State terror group, have intensified following this incident. Additionally, 900 U.S. troops are deployed in Syria to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State, according to the Pentagon. 

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