At least five US personnel were injured in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq. The attack comes following the assassination of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah.
Also Read: North Korea’s Deployment of 250 Ballistic Missile Launchers Near South Korea
The attack occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, targeting the Ain al-Assad airbase located in Anbar province, western Iraq.
Two Katyusha rockets were fired at the base. This type of rocket is known for its use in guerrilla warfare due to its portability and ease of launch.
According to US officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, at least five US personnel were injured, with one reported to be in serious condition.
The Associated Press has suggested that as many as seven military personnel and civilians might have been hurt. There were no fatalities or critical injuries such as loss of limbs reported at this time.
The attack on the airbase follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas.
Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, Iran, last week in an attack that has been attributed to Israeli operatives. This assassination has increased tensions in the region.
An Israeli airstrike on Beirut resulted in the death of Fuad Shukir, a senior commander of the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Iran has blamed both Israel and the US for Haniyeh’s assassination, asserting that the US’s support for Israel makes it complicit.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened retaliation against Israeli and American interests in the region.
Given the timing and nature of the attack it is plausible that Iranian-backed militias were responsible, aiming to retaliate for the assassination of Haniyeh and the hostilities involving Hezbollah.
According to US defense officials, at least two Katyusha rockets were fired toward the base, landing within its perimeter.
Initial reports indicate that both US troops and contractors were injured with the exact number of casualties yet to be disclosed.
Also Read: Bangladesh Protests: At Least 90 People were Killed
The attack is believed to have been carried out by Iran-aligned militia groups. The US Department of Defense has pointed fingers at these groups citing their history of targeting US forces in the region.
The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has increased tensions between Iran and Israel.
Though Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, Iranian officials have blamed Israel and vowed retaliation.
The killing of Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut, occurring shortly before Haniyeh’s assassination, has inflamed the situation with Hezbollah promising retribution against Israel.
Iranian General Hossein Salami has declared that those responsible for Haniyeh’s assassination will see the result of their mistake hinting at impending retaliatory actions.
Iran has signaled that any response will likely involve its proxy forces including Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen and militant groups in Iraq. These proxies have a track record of launching attacks against both US and Israeli targets.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered additional military assets to the Middle East including a carrier strike group and additional fighter squadrons.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the attack. In a statement, President Biden addressed the US’s commitment to defending its personnel and interests in the region.
He stated, “We will respond to any attack against our personnel in a manner and place of our choosing.”
The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional fighter jets and naval warships to the Middle East.
The attack underlines the precarious position of US forces in Iraq, where approximately 2,500 American troops are stationed.
While some factions within the Iraqi government, influenced by Iran, advocate for a US withdrawal, others see continued US presence as vital for stability.
Also Read: UK Riots: Over 90 Arrests Following Violent Protests
