Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase injures American soldiers
Two Katyusha rockets were fired towards the Ain al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, where, among others, British and American soldiers are stationed. One of the missiles landed inside the base. At least several soldiers were injured.
Reuters reported the attack on the American base, citing its security sources. Initially, however, the effects of the attack were unclear.
In an interview with Fox News, a Pentagon official admitted that "several" American soldiers were injured in the incident but did not specify the number.
The official added that the base personnel are assessing the damage after the attack. "We will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available."
The Lebanese TV station Al-Majadin, linked to Tehran, reported that there were three explosions at the base, "probably been caused by bombardments carried out by rockets."
According to pro-Iranian channels, Shiite militias from Iraq are behind the attack, and it was meant to avenge the killing of their members. Last week, the United States bombed a base of the Popular Mobilization Forces in Jurf al-Sachar, near Baghdad.
It is another attack on the Al-Asad airbase, home not only to Americans but also to soldiers from other countries, including the UK. At the end of July, four Katyusha rockets hit the base. No one was injured.
Anticipated Iranian attack
Over the past few months, the situation in the Middle East has become exceptionally tense. Last week, there was an attack in Beirut that killed Fuad Shukr, a military leader of Hezbollah. The next day, an attack in Tehran killed the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh. Both Iran and Hamas accuse Israel of being responsible for these attacks, although Israel has not confirmed its involvement.
Iran has announced a response to these attacks. It is not ruled out that Israel will come under fire within the next 24 hours.
Israel is preparing for the possibility of several days of rocket and drone raids from Iran and its allies. According to NBC News, Israel expects that the adversary will try to "exhaust" it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a Sunday security cabinet meeting, assured that every attack would be met with a response.
