According to U.S. defense officials, several U.S. personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq. This incident is part of a recent increase in strikes on American forces.
The attack occurred amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East after the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.
Officials at al-Asad air base in Iraq are still evaluating the extent of the damage from the attack. Although Iraqi security officials confirmed the incident, no group has claimed responsibility yet.
The officials, speaking anonymously, shared details on the military operations related to the attack. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the situation and the U.S. response, as per White House officials.
In recent weeks, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have resumed launching attacks on bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. This comes after a pause that followed a strike in Jordan in January that resulted in the death of three American soldiers and subsequent U.S. retaliatory strikes.
From October to January, a group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed multiple attacks as retaliation for U.S. support of Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, aiming to drive U.S. troops out of the region.
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