The official confirmed, “There was a suspected rocket attack against US and Coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq today. Initial reports indicate that several US personnel were injured. Base personnel are currently assessing the damage.”
The US Defense Department later attributed the attack to Iran-aligned militia groups, labeling it a “dangerous escalation.”
In a statement following a call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon noted that both leaders agreed the attack represented a significant escalation and highlighted Iran’s destabilizing influence in the region.
Austin assured Gallant of “the unwavering US commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned militia groups.”
The attack occurs amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the US preparing for potential Iranian retaliation against Israel for the recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has yet to comment on Haniyeh’s death. Additionally, Hezbollah has pledged to retaliate against Israel following the assassination of one of its senior commanders in Beirut shortly before Haniyeh’s killing.
This incident follows a recent decision by Austin to deploy additional military assets to the region, including a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and extra warships.
US officials have frequently attributed attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria to Iran-backed militia groups. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh indicated last month that a drone attack on Al-Asad was “most likely” carried out by Iranian-supported factions.
Singh commented on July 18, “We know that these attacks on US forces are typically conducted by IRGC-backed militias. It is most likely one of these affiliated groups.”
Between October 17 and January 29, over 150 attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria were reported. These attacks decreased after a drone strike on a small US outpost in Jordan killed three American troops, prompting a significant US response targeting 85 sites across seven locations.
President Joe Biden remarked at the time, “The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let anyone who seeks to harm us be warned: If you attack an American, we will respond.”