Missiles target U.S. troops, contractors in Iraqi army bases


PTI, Jun 10, 2021, 7:54 AM IST

Image for representation

Multiple rockets have targeted two Iraqi military bases hosting US-led coalition troops and foreign contractors, Iraqi security officials and the military said. Three rockets hit Balad airbase, north of Baghdad, on Wednesday without causing any casualties or damage, an Iraqi military statement said.

The base housed foreign contractors. Hours later, at least one missile hit close to a military base next to Baghdad airport, two Iraqi security officials said.

It was unclear whether the explosion was caused by a rocket or a drone strike. One Iraqi security official said they had heard two rockets. The second said preliminary findings indicated it had been a drone attack and a trailer belonging to the coalition was set on fire by the attack.

There were no casualties, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the strikes, but U.S. officials have previously blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia factions for such assaults.

The attacks are the latest in a string that continue to target the U.S. presence in Iraq. Over a dozen have targeted Iraqi military bases and Baghdad’s highly fortified Green Zone since US President Joe Biden assumed office this year.

More than 10 people have been killed, including two foreign contractors. Lockheed Martin announced last month that it was withdrawing contractors maintaining Iraq’s F-16 fighter jets from Balad base over security reasons.

Recent attacks have featured more sophisticated weaponry, such as drones, which has alarmed U.S. and Iraqi military officials. The attacks occur as Baghdad and Washington work on drawing up a timetable for the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

India crawl to 51 for 4 after losing top-order

Nursing student suicide: Three students arrested in Kerala

Nadda’s letter to Kharge full of falsehoods: Cong

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’

Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial

100 engineering colleges in Karnataka to be ‘adopted’ by corporates by next year: IT Minister Kharge

Related Articles More

India-US ties have strong foundation: White House confident in navigating crisis over Adani bribery charges

PM Modi leaves for home after concluding three-nation visit

China announces new policy measures to protect its exports from Trump’s new tariff threat

Pak government prepares for proposed protest by former PM Imran Khan’s party on Nov 24

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother Anmol arrested in US, lodged in Iowa jail

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Kasaragod: Husband murders woman PSI

Puttur: Private bus crashes into house to avoid collision with school bus

India crawl to 51 for 4 after losing top-order

Mangaluru: POCSO case – Convict sentenced to 20 years in prison

Nursing student suicide: Three students arrested in Kerala

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.