Iraqi soldier injured in Al-Asad airbase attack by Iran-backed militants

Iran-backed militants targeted the Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq with ballistic missiles, resulting in injuries to both Iraqi and potentially American personnel, as reported by the US Central Command on Saturday. The attack occurred at 6:30 pm Baghdad time, with the majority of the projectiles intercepted by the base’s air defense systems.

While the statement from CENTCOM confirmed the interception of most missiles, some impacted the base, leading to evaluations for traumatic brain injuries among US personnel. Additionally, one Iraqi service member sustained injuries during the attack, underscoring the toll on both Iraqi and coalition forces in the region.

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have seen a surge in attacks since mid-October, primarily claimed by the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” This loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups opposes US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict, marking the latest incident in a series of confrontations with US and coalition forces.

The “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claimed responsibility for the Al-Asad Airbase attack, utilizing ballistic missiles—an escalation compared to previous incidents involving lower-tech rockets and drones. This development highlights an increased level of threat to US forces stationed in Iraq and Syria.

The timing of the airbase assault coincides with heightened tensions in the region, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. In a separate incident, five members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed in a Damascus strike attributed to Israel, prompting threats of reprisals from Tehran.

Recent events include Iran launching a strike in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region, targeting a site it claimed was used by “spies of the Zionist regime (Mossad).” With ongoing retaliatory actions, the situation underscores the complexity and volatility in the region, where both regional and global actors navigate a delicate geopolitical landscape. The Pentagon has reported numerous light injuries among US personnel since late October, emphasizing the risks faced by approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria.