Iran-aligned Militia Executes Drone Attack on US Airbase in Iraq
On Tuesday, a series of drone attacks targeted an airbase in western Iraq that hosts United States-led coalition troops, causing injuries and physical damage, according to a US military official.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity and without providing further details, the US official told AFP, “multiple attack drones were launched” at the Ain al-Assad base in Iraq’s Anbar province, with “latest reports include injuries and damage to infrastructure.”
Later that day, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loosely affiliated network of pro-Iran militias, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, stating it was in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
These Iran-aligned armed groups, inherently anti-American, have significantly increased their aggression against US forces recently, demanding an end to American military presence in the Middle East due to the United States’ material and political support of Israel.
Initially deployed to the region for a counterinsurgency mission against Islamic jihadism, US-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted by over 140 attacks since the Israel-Hamas war began in early October. Estimates indicate that about 2,500 US troops are currently stationed in Iraq, with an additional 900 in Syria.
The Islamic Resistance of Iraq also took responsibility for Saturday’s ballistic missile attack on the Ain al-Assad airbase. US Central Command, addressing Saturday’s incident, stated that although most projectiles were intercepted, several struck the base, resulting in injuries and some damage.
The attack reportedly injured at least one Iraqi soldier, and several US military personnel are “undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries.”
Over the past several months, Washington has periodically conducted retaliatory strikes against these groups.
