An Iraqi air base housing U.S. troops was reportedly targeted by rocket fire on Monday, according to multiple security sources cited by Reuters.
At least two Katyusha rockets were launched toward the base, though it remains unconfirmed whether the attack resulted in any casualties. One security source indicated that the rockets landed within the base’s perimeter.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, fueled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed, prompting the Iranian government to vow retaliation against Israel.
While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, Iran has announced plans to launch attacks against Israel. “They will see the result of their mistake,” Iranian General Hossein Salami stated following Haniyeh’s death. “They will see when, how and where they will get their response.”
On Sunday, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller reported that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to discuss regional developments.
“The Secretary emphasized the importance of all parties taking steps to calm regional tensions, avoid further escalation, and advance stability,” Millter said. “The Secretary underscored U.S. commitment to the Higher Military Commission process to determine how and when the D-ISIS Coalition’s military mission in Iraq will transition and the importance of force protection as we work toward that transition.”
“The Secretary affirmed that we remain committed to the U.S.-Iraq 360-degree relationship to build economic opportunities and prosperity for all Iraqis.”
Reuters contributed to this report.