A rocket attack on Iraq's Ain al-Assad base wounded seven Americans, the Pentagon reported, attributing the violence to Iran-aligned forces amid rising regional tensions.
The attack, which injured five US service members and two contractors, occurred as the region anticipated a possible Iranian counterstrike on Israel.
The base, hosting American troops and coalition personnel against ISIS, was hit by two rockets. Five injured are being treated on-site, while two have been evacuated, all in stable condition.
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US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on the incident, discussing defensive measures and potential responses. The Pentagon, in a call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, labeled the attack a “dangerous escalation” by Iran-aligned militias.
The Iraqi government seized a truck loaded with eight rockets and is pursuing the attackers, emphasizing a strong stance against any aggression within its territory. They condemned actions that could escalate regional tensions or involve Iraq in conflicts.
The attack is part of a series of recent assaults on the Ain al-Assad base, with similar incidents on July 16 and 25.
Such attacks had largely ceased but have resumed amidst growing fears of an Iranian-led retaliation against Israel for recent strikes on Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The regional conflict has drawn in Iran-aligned groups from Iraq and Yemen's Huthis.
Last week, US forces preemptively struck combatants in Iraq planning drone attacks, killing four, marking the first US strike in Iraq since February. US troops in Iraq and Syria, totaling around 2,500 and 900, respectively, have faced over 175 attacks since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, mostly claimed by the pro-Iran Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
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