On August 5, 2024, a rocket attack targeted the Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq, injuring several US military personnel. The attack, involving two Katyusha rockets, occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent assassinations of high-ranking Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.US defense officials confirmed the incident, stating that base personnel are conducting damage assessments. ‘We can confirm that there was a suspected rocket attack today against U.S. and coalition forces at al Asad Air Base, Iraq,’ said a defense official. The exact number of injured personnel and the extent of their injuries have not been disclosed.This attack is part of a recent surge in strikes against US forces in the region. Iranian-backed militias have reportedly resumed attacks on bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria after a months-long pause. Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Iran-linked groups have launched over 175 rocket and drone strikes on US forces in Iraq and Syria.The incident comes at a particularly tense time, as the US and its allies brace for potential retaliation from Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut last week. In response to these growing threats, the Pentagon has announced plans to deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East.’The situation in the region is becoming increasingly volatile,’ said a defense official, speaking anonymously to discuss military operations. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on Al Asad Air Base.
Key points
- A rocket attack on Al Asad Air Base in Iraq injured several US military personnel on August 5, 2024.
- The attack is part of a recent surge in strikes against US forces, with over 175 attacks since October 7, 2023.
- Tensions are high following recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, prompting the US to bolster its military presence in the region.
Contradictions👾While most sources report several US personnel were injured, one source mentions only one US personnel was injured.
The exact number of injured personnel remains unclear across reports.
