U.S. Troops Wounded in Iranian-Backed Militant Attack in Iraq
Iranian-backed militants launched a significant attack using ballistic missiles and rockets on U.S. and Iraqi forces at the al-Asad base in western Iraq this Saturday. The attack resulted in traumatic brain injuries to some American service members, as stated by U.S. officials.
This recent assault marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict. Until now, the militants have primarily engaged in smaller-scale attacks involving drones and rockets in Iraq and Syria. The use of ballistic missiles in this incident indicates a shift to more heavily loaded explosive weaponry.
The Biden administration, which has been striving to limit the conflict to Gaza, finds itself increasingly embroiled in confrontations across the Middle East. In response to similar threats, the Pentagon launched an attack on Houthi militants in Yemen to neutralize an anti-ship missile aimed at Red Sea shipping lanes.
According to U.S. Central Command, the militants initiated the al-Asad base attack with multiple ballistic missiles and rockets, although most were intercepted. The base, which is used by both U.S. and Iraqi forces to combat ISIS militants, sustained minor damage.
Two U.S. troops were reported to have sustained minor injuries, with the possibility of more injuries being reported in the coming days as service members exhibit symptoms. This incident follows a pattern of attacks by Iranian-backed militias against U.S. and coalition troops in the region, with over 130 such attacks recorded since October.
The attack recalls a similar incident in January 2020 when Iranian forces fired 13 ballistic missiles at the al-Asad base, resulting in over 100 U.S. troops suffering traumatic brain injuries. This pattern of attacks underscores the ongoing tensions and security challenges faced by U.S. and coalition forces in the region.
