US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say
US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say
The Facts
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.
The Spin
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Now is not the time to escalate tensions. The Iraqi government has urged all parties, including US forces and militias, to refrain from further violence. US strikes against groups they hold responsible are a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and do not help restore calm. Instead of targeting and bombing Iraq, the US should use its influence to persuade Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza. That would be a de-escalatory action.
