Drone shot down over Ain Al-Asad air base in western Iraq
Government sources in Iraq have reported that a drone, identified as armed, was successfully intercepted and shot down by US defense systems near Ain Al-Asad air base in the Anbar governorate. The air base is known for hosting US, Iraqi, and international forces.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another drone being shot down over Erbil Airport in northern Iraq on Sunday, where US and other international forces are stationed. The Counter-Terrorism Service in the Kurdistan region of Iraq confirmed the interception of an armed drone near Erbil International Airport.
Claiming responsibility for the attack, a group named the Islamic Resistance in Iraq stated that the drone strike targeted what it referred to as an ‘occupation base.’ Fortunately, security officials have reported no injuries or damage to infrastructure as a result of these attacks.
The ongoing tensions have put US and international forces on high alert in both Iraq and Syria, with numerous attacks targeting their bases since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This recent incident occurred less than 24 hours after two drones were shot down near a military base in northern Iraq used by the Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Al-Harir Air Base, which also hosts US forces.
Reacting to the escalating situation, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered an investigation in coordination with security forces in Iraqi Kurdistan. He pledged to pursue those responsible for the attack on Saturday, highlighting the seriousness with which the Iraqi government is addressing these incidents.
