Rockets Hit Ain al-Asad Airbase Amid U.S.-Iraq Discussions on Winding Down Coalition

Multiple rockets targeted Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase, housing U.S.-led forces, with no reported damage or casualties. This attack follows a Washington summit discussing the coalition's future in Iraq. Iran-backed factions demand a quick troop withdrawal, while U.S. and Iraq plan a transition to an advisory security relationship.

Multiple rockets were launched at Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase housing U.S.-led forces late on Thursday, U.S. and Iraqi sources said, with no damage or casualties reported.

Two U.S. officials confirmed that the base itself had not been struck in the attack. The incident came two days after a military summit in Washington where Iraqi and U.S. officials discussed winding down the coalition's operations. The coalition was formed over a decade ago to combat the Islamic State as it spread across Iraq and Syria.

No major announcements were made post-talks, although sources indicate that an official statement on the gradual wind-down of coalition activities could be expected in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Iran-aligned Iraqi political and military factions have urged the government to expedite the coalition's drawdown, aiming for the complete withdrawal of the 2,500 troops stationed by the U.S.

Both Washington and the Iraqi government have expressed interest in transitioning to a bilateral security arrangement, which would likely retain some troops in advisory roles. U.S.-led forces initially invaded Iraq in 2003, ousting Saddam Hussein before withdrawing in 2011, and then returned in 2014 to lead the fight against Islamic State.

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct. 7, Iran-backed Iraqi armed factions have targeted bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria numerous times. However, February's truce has limited such incidents to a handful.

(With inputs from agencies.)