Aug 06, 2024

Biden considers options after U.S. personnel injured in rocket attack in Iraq

Posted Aug 06, 2024 10:00 AM
President Joe Biden was briefed on Monday in the Situation Room on developments in the Middle East. He received updates on threats posed by Iran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and preparations to support Israel should it be attacked again. Biden also discussed the steps the U.S. is taking to defend forces and respond to any attack against U.S. personnel "in a manner and place of our choosing." White House photo
President Joe Biden was briefed on Monday in the Situation Room on developments in the Middle East. He received updates on threats posed by Iran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and preparations to support Israel should it be attacked again. Biden also discussed the steps the U.S. is taking to defend forces and respond to any attack against U.S. personnel "in a manner and place of our choosing." White House photo

WASHINGTON (AP) — Several U.S. personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack at a military base in Iraq, U.S. defense officials said Monday, in what has been a recent uptick in strikes on American forces.

The attack comes as tensions across the Middle East are spiking following the killings last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.

The U.S. defense officials said troops at al-Asad air base were still assessing the damage. Earlier Monday, Iraqi security officials confirmed the attack, but no group has claimed responsibility.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

In recent weeks, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have resumed launching attacks on bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria after a lull of several months.