Rockets fired near US base in Baghdad intercepted by defense system
Near Baghdad International Airport, multiple rockets were launched from Katyusha rocket launchers. At least two were directed at a military base housing U.S. forces, Reuters reported overnight from Monday to Tuesday, based on information from two Iraqi military sources.
Preliminary information indicates that the anti-aircraft defence system managed to intercept the rockets. An initial investigation revealed that a total of three rockets were fired, one of which fell near facilities used by Iraqi counter-terrorism units, causing a fire and damaging several vehicles without causing any casualties, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi military sources.
Sources indicated that at least two rockets were fired from Katyusha rocket launchers toward a military base where U.S. forces are stationed.
However, a U.S. representative denied reports that American armed forces were the target of the attack, the report reads.
Footage of the incident appeared online. According to unconfirmed reports, four rockets were fired near the American base: U.S. anti-aircraft defence intercepted two, one was said to have landed on the premises of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS), and the fourth struck a fuel tanker, causing an explosion and fire.
The incident served as a reminder of the growing tension in the Middle East, leading to speculation over whether Iran and its supported groups will follow through on threats of retaliation following a series of Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Reuters also recalled an attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Baghdad on September 11. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties then either.
Approximately 2,500 American soldiers are stationed in Iraq. There are also militant groups sympathetic to Iran that, since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023, have carried out multiple attacks on U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East.
