There were American troops stationed near the airport, but a U.S. official disputed reports that they were targeted in the attack. "All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported," the U.S. defense official told Reuters, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The incident was a reminder of the rising tension in the Middle East, as speculations whirled about whether Iran and Iran-supported organizations would make good on threats to retaliate after a string of Israeli major attacks against Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Two Iraqi security sources said an initial investigation showed three rockets were fired, along with one that landed near buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, causing damage and setting fire to some vehicles. There were no reported casualties.
Rockets hit State Department facility
The sources earlier said no less than two Katyusha rockets were also fired at a military base hosting American forces and that air defenses at the base have reportedly intercepted the rockets. The area had been attacked several times in the past.
However, the U.S. defense official said Washington was informed that the rockets actually hit the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Complex, which is a Department of State facility. The State Department is now evaluating the damage created by the attack.
A spokesperson for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani said the prime minister has ordered an urgent investigation into the "security breach" following the rocket attack. Other statements from Iraqi security sources said a rocket launcher was confiscated in a residential area west of the airport. At least three unfired rockets were also confiscated and immediately demolished.
Iraq, a unique regional partner of both the U.S. and Iran, hosts 2,500 American troops and also has Iran-supported armed groups connected to its security forces.
Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq have frequently attacked American troops, and the sporadic outbreaks of violence between U.S. troops and Iran-aligned paramilitary groups have increased since Israel's invasion of Gaza began.
Following the attack, large crowds gathered outside of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone to protest American support for Israel. These same crowds came into conflict with local police, as the mostly Shia and pro-Iranian demonstrators attempted to gain entry into the heavily militarized embassy compound. (Related: Since its illegal 2003 invasion, the U.S. has maintained full control of Iraqi oil revenues: WHY?)
Tensions are expected to keep increasing now that Israel has launched a so-called "limited" ground invasion of southern Lebanon.
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Watch the video below about the rocket attack on the U.S. base at Ain al-Asad in Iraq.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
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