Rockets target Baghdad military base amid rising regional tension

In the vicinity of the international airport in Baghdad, multiple rockets were launched from a Katyusha rocket launcher. At least two were directed at a military base housing US troops, Reuters reported on Monday night into Tuesday, citing information from two Iraqi military sources.

Preliminary information indicates that the air defence system managed to intercept the rockets. A preliminary investigation revealed that a total of three rockets were launched, one of which fell close to facilities used by Iraqi counter-terrorism units, causing a fire and damaging several vehicles, but resulting in no human casualties, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi military sources.

The sources conveyed that at least two rockets were fired from a Katyusha launcher towards the military base housing American forces.

However, a US representative denied reports that the target of the attack was US armed forces, it was stated.

Recordings of the incident appeared online. According to unconfirmed reports, four rockets were fired near the American base: US air defence intercepted two, one landed within the grounds of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS), and the fourth hit a fuel tanker, causing an explosion and fire.

The incident reminds us of the increasing tension in the Middle East, leading to speculation on whether Iran and the groups it supports will make good on their threats of retaliation following a series of Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran-supported Hezbollah.

Reuters also recalled that on 11 September, there was an attack on the American diplomatic mission in Baghdad. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties then either.

Approximately 2,500 American soldiers are stationed in Iraq. Also active are fighter groups sympathetic to Iran, which, since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, have frequently carried out attacks on US forces stationed in the Middle East.