By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

Ain Al-Asad Airbase Faces Missile Attack

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Ain Al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, hosting US and international military troops, was targeted by 15 rockets in an attack on Saturday. US personnel at the base reportedly suffered minor injuries during the assault, with at least two rockets hitting the airbase.

Extent of the Attack

According to reports from a US defense source and an Iraqi police official, a dozen missiles were fired at the airbase. While 13 projectiles were intercepted, two successfully hit the base. The injured individuals have not been immediately identified.

Claim of Responsibility

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militia groups opposing US support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attack. The strike comes amidst escalating conflicts in the region.

Regional Unrest Continues

The attack on the Ain Al-Asad airbase coincided with a series of strikes on Iran-linked targets across the Middle East. An Israeli missile strike in the Syrian capital, Damascus, reportedly eliminated five members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, including the head of the elite force’s information unit. Additionally, a separate drone strike in the Lebanese city of Tyre killed two members of Hezbollah.

Escalating Retaliatory Strikes

Since October 7, Tehran proxy militia forces have reportedly attacked the US military 58 times in Iraq and 83 times in Syria, as retaliation for its support of Israel in the conflict with Hamas.

US Military Presence in the Region

The United States maintains 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, focusing on advising local forces to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State. However, the Iraqi government is expressing concern about becoming a battleground in the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.

Eviction of American Forces

Following a US drone strike in Baghdad, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office announced plans to evict American forces from the country. The Pentagon, asserting that its presence is at the invitation of the Iraqi government, has not received formal notice of eviction.

The situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with ongoing tensions and a heightened risk of further escalations.