Official statements from the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. State Department

American Ain al-Assad Base in Iraq Attacked by Two Iran-Backed Rockets

Aug 5, 2024, 06:40 PM

The American Ain al-Assad military base in western Iraq has come under rocket attack, according to multiple reports. The base, which houses U.S. and other international forces, was targeted by two rockets. Initial reports suggest that the attack was carried out by Iranian-backed militant groups, possibly as retaliation for the recent U.S. airstrike that killed Abu Hassan al-Maliki, a commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The C-RAM anti-aircraft gun system was deployed to repel the attack, and a missile launcher, reportedly using Iranian-made 122-mm Arash-1 missiles, was found. Security sources confirmed the attack, and plumes of smoke were seen rising from the site. Al Jazeera reported the incident, and Sabereen News, affiliated with the IRGC, also claimed responsibility.