US Service Members Injured as Iranian-Linked Militants Strike Iraq Base

Several U.S. troops are being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries following an attack on Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, which also resulted in minor injuries to U.N. personnel and one Iraqi service member. The assault, occurring at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time on January 20, involved multiple ballistic missiles and rockets launched by Iranian-backed militants. While most of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by the base's air defense systems, including over 15 Patriot missiles, some did impact the base.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-linked group, claimed responsibility for the attack. They cited the motive as resistance against the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq and as a response to Israeli actions in Gaza. The attack follows an increase in strikes against U.S. and allied forces in the region and adds pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani amidst escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

These events come in the wake of Iran's vow for revenge after a base housing its forces in Damascus was hit, an attack it attributes to Israel. The recent military offensive by Israel against Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon on October 7, as well as expanded attacks on Yemen's Houthis, has intensified regional hostilities. The attacks by Iranian-backed groups represent the latest and largest in a series of over 140 incidents targeting U.S. and allied forces in the region since mid-October. The U.S. response to the escalation remains to be seen.