JUST IN: Several Injured After Rocket Attack On U.S. Military Base In Iraq

At least five U.S. personnel have been injured in a rocket attack on a military base in Iraq that houses U.S. troops, several sources told Reuters. The attack comes as the world braces for a potential attack on Israel launched by Iran and its proxies after Israel assassinated leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.

According to the report, two Katyusha rockets were fired at al Asad airbase in western Iraq, two Iraqi security sources told the outlet. While U.S. bases in Iraq have been targeted by Iran-backed militias in the past, it is currently unclear whether Monday’s attack is linked to any Iranian retaliation as of this report.

On Wednesday, the Iranian government released a statement blaming the United States for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in downtown Tehran while staying in a military-run guesthouse. It is strongly believed that Israel was behind the assassination, as the Israeli government has repeatedly vowed to target Hamas leadership.

Just hours before Haniyeh’s assassination last week, Israel announced the assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah leader in Lebanon.

Two U.S. officials told Reuters that at least one of the wounded Americans was “seriously injured” in Monday’s attack.

The current casualty count of five is based on initial reports that could still change, the officials cautioned. “Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment,” one of the officials said.

Last week, the U.S. carried out strikes against suspected militants who U.S. officials said were getting ready to launch drone and rocket attacks against U.S. troops.

In anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation for the assassination on Haniyeh, the U.S. has deployed additional fighter jets and Naval assets to the region. Iran, along with its proxies in Lebanon and Iraq, launched drone and missile attacks against Israel earlier this year following the bombing of a diplomatic building that killed several Iranian military leaders.

As of August 2024, there are roughly 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq.

Iraq has asked the  the U.S.-led military coalition to begin withdrawing in September and to formally end the coalition’s work by September 2025, Iraqi sources have said. Some troops are expected to remain in an advisory capacity.