Several U.S. Soldiers Injured in Rocket Attack on Al Asad Air Base in Iraq

At least five U.S. personnel have been injured in a suspected rocket attack against U.S. and Coalition forces in Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.

“Today, I spoke with Israeli Minster of Defense Yoav Gallant to reaffirm U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense from threats posed by Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other Iran-aligned militia groups. We agreed the attack from Iran-aligned militias on U.S. forces stationed at Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq marked a dangerous escalation, and I updated Minister Gallant on measures to strengthen U.S. military posture in light of this escalating situation,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.

Two Katyusha rockets were fired at Al Asad Air Base, which is located in western Iraq, two Iraqi security sources were quoted as saying by Forces News. One source indicated that the rockets landed within the base. The base does not house British personnel. The connection between the attack and threats from Iran in response to the killing of a Hamas leader remains unclear.

Among the injured, one American was reported to be seriously hurt, and the initial casualty count may change. "Initial indications are that several U.S. personnel were injured. Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment," another official said.

This attack occurs amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East following the recent killings of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran has led to threats of retaliation by Iran against Israel. Iran has accused Israel of the assassination, although Israel has not claimed responsibility. Additionally, the killing of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, by Israel in Beirut last week has raised concerns about the conflict in Gaza escalating into a broader Middle East war.

Iran has stated that the U.S. bears responsibility for Haniyeh's assassination due to its support for Israel, with both Iran and Hezbollah threatening retaliation. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant have described the recent attacks as "a dangerous escalation."

Earlier in January, Al Asad Air Base was targeted by multiple ballistic missiles and rockets launched by Iranian-backed militants, resulting in injuries to several U.S. military personnel. U.S. Central Command (CentCom) reported that most missiles were intercepted by the base's air defense systems, while others struck the base. This attack followed a series of assaults on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-aligned groups after the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October.