Spike in Middle East Tensions: US Base in Iraq Hit by Suspected Rocket Attack

Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at an Iraqi military base, marking an uptick in strikes by Iranian-backed militias. This surge in violence follows recent high-profile targeted killings in the Middle East, fueling further instability in the region.

Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq, US defense officials reported. This incident marks a notable increase in strikes on American forces by Iranian-backed militias.

The attack coincides with rising tensions in the Middle East, following the assassinations of a senior Hezbollah commander and Hamas' top political leader, allegedly by Israeli forces. Both groups have Iranian support.

The US defense officials indicated that troops at al-Asad air base are still assessing the extent of injuries and damage. Iraqi security officials confirmed the attack earlier, though no group has claimed responsibility so far.

The officials, speaking anonymously, noted that Iranian-backed militias have resumed attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria after several months of calm, triggered by a deadly January strike in Jordan that resulted in US retaliatory actions. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group, has regularly claimed attacks aimed at expelling US forces from the region in response to US support for Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)