US Airbase in Iraq Hit by Massive Missile Attack

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – US airbase Ain al-Asad in Iraq’s western Anbar Province has been targeted by at least 15 missiles, Iraqi news agency Shafaq reported on Saturday, citing a security source.

The missiles were launched from the Iraqi city of Albaghdadi, the source said, without giving further information.

Yahya Rasool, a spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, told the Iraq News Agency that the bombing injured an Iraqi soldier and caused material damage.

“A number of missiles fell near the headquarters of the 29th Brigade, 7th Division, affiliated with the Al-Jazeera Operations Command, within the Iraqi Ain Al-Assad base, wounding a soldier and causing damage to the headquarters,” he said.

A number of US soldiers are being examined for traumatic brain injuries after “Iranian-backed militants” carried out a missile attack on US airbase Al-Assad in western Iraq’s Anbar Province, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday, adding that the US is also assessing the damage caused to the base.

“At approximately 6:30 p.m. (Baghdad time) time Jan. 20, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defense systems while others impacted on the base. Damage assessments are ongoing. A number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded,” the CENTCOM said on X.

Since the beginning of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the bases of the US-led international coalition in Iraq, as well as US troops in Syria, have come under regular attacks, with armed Shiite groups claiming responsibility in Iraq. However, this attack is reported to be one of the most massive since the the start of the recent turmoil in Gaza.

US airbase Ain al-Asad in Iraq’s western Anbar Province has been targeted by a missile strike with five rockets falling near the base, Iraqi news agency Shafaq reported on Saturday, citing a security source.

The missiles were launched from the Iraqi city of Albaghdadi, the… pic.twitter.com/b6eauUACXK

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 20, 2024

On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, while its fighters breached the border, opening fire on the military and civilians. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza and launched a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 24,900 people have been killed so far in Gaza as a result of Israeli strikes, local authorities said.

On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1.