Top Iran, Iraq Diplomats to Meet After Back-to-Back Attacks on U.S. Troops
NewsweekAPR 21 2022
In a rocket attack at al-Asad airbase in western Iraq on Monday, two Katyusha rockets wounded at least five US servicemen, according to US officials.
The strike took place as the Middle East prepares for potential new attacks by Iran and its allies following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and leaders from Hezbollah last week.
A post-attack damage assessment is currently under way by base personnel, but an Iraqi military source said that several rockets hit the base and a nearby village without harm. On Tuesday, the Islamic Resisitance in Iraq issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia, issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, saying it was a retaliation for US support of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. In January, the group attacked a US base in Jordan, which killed three US servicemen.
The attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq is happening at a critical moment. The world is anticipating Iran's response to last week's deadly attack on the Hamas leader in Tehran, which Iran blames on Israel. The US is trying to persuade Iran to de-escalate to prevent a wider regional war, and in the event of an Iranian attack, the US has maintained its unconditional support for Israel. At the same time, the US cannot accept terrorist attacks on its troops and reserves the right to respond in a manner and place of its choosing.