| |
Rockets Hit Iraqi Air Base 04/19 06:19
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi airbase just north of the
capital Baghdad Sunday, wounding two Iraqi security forces, an Iraqi military
commander said.
In comments to Iraq's official news agency, Maj. Gen. Diaa Mohsen, commander
of the Balad airbase, said at least two rockets exploded inside the base, which
houses U.S. trainers. The attack comes days after an explosives-laden drone
targeted U.S.-led coalition forces near a northern Iraq airport, causing a
large fire and damage to a building.
Mohsen said the attack resulted in the injury of two security forces, one of
them in serious condition and the other only slightly. There was no material
damage inside the base from the attack, he added.
The incident was the latest in a string of attacks that have targeted mostly
American installations in Iraq in recent weeks. There was no immediate
responsibility claim, but U.S. officials have previously blamed Iran-backed
Iraqi militia factions for such attacks.
American forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011 but returned in 2014 at the
invitation of Iraq to help battle the Islamic State group after it seized vast
areas in the north and west of the country. In late 2020, U.S. troop levels in
Iraq were reduced to 2,500 after withdrawals based on orders from the Trump
administration.
Calls grew for further U.S. troop withdrawals after a U.S.-directed drone
strike killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and an Iraqi militia leader in
Baghdad in January 2020.
Last month, a base in western Iraq housing U.S.-led coalition troops and
contractors was hit by 10 rockets. One contractor was killed.
|
|
