US Service Members Injured as Iran-Linked Militants Attack Base in Iraq

Several U.S. troops are being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries after Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, where they and Iraqi troops are stationed, was targeted by Iranian-backed militants. The attack, which occurred on January 20 around 6:30 p.m. Baghdad time, involved multiple ballistic missiles and rockets. Most of these were intercepted by the base's air defense systems, including over 15 Patriot missiles, but some managed to impact the base. This resulted in minor injuries to U.N. personnel, an Iraqi service member, and an unspecified number of U.S. military personnel.

The group known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the assault, stating it was in response to the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq and recent Israeli actions in Gaza. This incident adds to a series of attacks against U.S. and U.K. forces in the region, marking an escalation in tensions between Iran and Western powers.

The attack also follows Iran's vow of retaliation for a deadly attack on its elite forces in Damascus, which it attributed to Israel. This escalation of hostilities has raised concerns over the potential for broader regional conflict, given the recent military actions by Israel against Iran-linked armed groups in Syria, Lebanon, and against the Houthis in Yemen. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has also reported recent military actions, including the destruction of a Houthi anti-ship missile that posed a threat in the Gulf of Aden.