November 9, 2024

Rockets launched at US forces stationed at Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq

Four rockets hit near Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which houses U.S. troops on Thursday, but there were no injuries and no damage to the base, Fox News has learned. 

A U.S. defense official told Fox News that none of the rockets landed inside the base. 

The attack comes just days after U.S. and Iraqi officials met at a Pentagon summit to discuss when the coalition against ISIS in Iraq could end and transition into a bilateral security relationship with some U.S. troops likely remaining. 

ISIS REMAINS GLOBAL THREAT A DECADE AFTER DECLARING CALIPHATE, US MILITARY OFFICIAL SAYS

Al-Asad airbase

Iraqi security forces are seen at Ain al-Asad airbase near a military helicopter in Anbar province, Iraq on December 29, 2019. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY (Reuters/Thaier Al-Sudani    )

Iraqi factions aligned with Iran have called on all 2,500 U.S. troops that remain in the country to withdraw. 

The attack on the airbase also comes just one day after fighter jets intercepted two Russian Tu-95 “Bear” bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers off the coast of Alaska.

IRAQ ASKS UN TO ABANDON POLITICAL MISSION IN BAGHDAD

Al-Asad air base

U.S. Army soldiers train at al-Asad air base. The base is located in Western Iraq.  (Source: U.S. Army )

NORAD fighter jets from the United States and Canada conducted the interception.

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Troops cleaning up rubble at Ain Al-Asad airbase

A picture taken on January 13, 2020, during a press tour organized by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows US soldiers clearing rubble at Ain al-Asad military airbase in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.  (Ayman Henna)

Iran-backed factions in Iraq have targeted U.S. troops at bases in the country dozens of times since the start of the Israel-Gaza War last October, with a slowdown since February.  

Fox News’ Stephany Prince and Reuters contributed to this report.