Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack Monday targeting US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, Reuters first reported, and a US defense official confirmed.
“We can confirm that there was a suspected rocket attack today against US and Coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq,” the official stated. “Initial indications are that several US personnel were injured. Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment.”
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This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The US is on alert for potential Iranian retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. Israel has not commented on Haniyeh’s killing.
In response, Hezbollah in Lebanon has vowed retaliation against Israel after one of its top commanders was assassinated in Beirut less than a day before Haniyeh’s death.
These developments come just days after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered additional military assets, including a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships, to the region.
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