Third rocket attack targets US forces in Iraq

The Iraqi army yesterday announced that two rockets had targeted the Ain Al-Asad Air Base where American forces are stationed, in the third such attack in three days.

The army’s media cell said in a statement that the two rockets fell on an unoccupied segment of the Ain Al-Asad Air Base, “without causing damage or casualties”.

Similar rocket attacks occurred on Sunday night and again on Monday night on an airbase at Baghdad airport housing US-led coalition troops, and the Balad Air Base which hosts US contractors, north of Baghdad respectively.

While no party has claimed responsibility for the attacks, Washington often blames pro-Iran Iraqi armed factions for such attacks.

On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi discussed the presence of about 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq with US envoy Brett McGurk.

A statement issued by the PM’s office said Al-Kadhimi and McGurk are working on setting a timetable for the US combat forces’ withdrawal from Iraq.

READ: Rockets target Iraqi military base hosting US forces