Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase injures several U.S. personnel

08/08/2024 / By Kevin Hughes

Seven U.S. personnel were injured following a rocket attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq on Monday, August 5. The incident comes amid heightening regional tensions following the recent killings of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, allegedly by Israel.

According to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attack involved at least two Soviet-era Katyusha rockets that fell inside the base.

“We can confirm that there was a suspected rocket attack today against U.S. and Coalition forces at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. Initial indications are that several U.S. personnel were injured. Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment. We will provide updates as more information becomes available,” said a Department of Defense spokesperson.

The attack follows a recent American strike against militants in Iraq who were allegedly preparing to launch drones that pose a threat to U.S. and Coalition forces from the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led international coalition targeting the remnants of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. (Related: Nearly 60 U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria injured in series of attacks by Iran-backed militias.)

America is currently on high alert as it anticipates a possible retaliation from Iran after the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The incident is part of a series of targeted killings of senior figures in the Palestinian militant group amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Pentagon to deploy additional troops and equipment to the Middle East

In response to the rising threats from Iran and its allies Hamas and Hezbollah, the Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East in preparation for the possible escalation of conflict in the region.

There are currently around 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, which is also host to a whole swath of militia groups allied with Tehran, with some of these groups even enjoying the direct or indirect support of Iraqi security forces.

Amid an increase in retaliatory attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq, Baghdad has expressed its desire to see troops from the U.S and the Coalition begin withdrawing in September, and to formally finish the Coalition’s work in the country by September 2025. Washington is prepared to renegotiate its stay to allow some American forces to remain in advisory roles.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is already in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over possible Iraqi intervention in the brewing conflict between Israel and Iran. Blinken reportedly asked Al-Sudani to help convince Iran to tone down any possible retaliation against the purported Israeli strike in Tehran that killed Haniyeh.

U.S. Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, went to the Middle East and talked with allies to make sure there is cooperation in case of an Iranian attack against Israel.

Follow WWIII.news for more stories about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Watch the video below about a second rocket attack reported on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq.

This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.