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New Islamic Resistance group in Iraq claims Ain al-Asad attack

Amr Al Housni

Aug. 06, 2024 • 2 min read
Image of New Islamic Resistance group in Iraq claims Ain al-Asad attack Photo shows smoke rise from Ain al-Asad airbase following the Monday missile attack.

A new group from the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed the Monday attack on Ain al-Asad airbase where US troops are housed.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the Monday missile attack on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq on Monday, which injured at least five US military personnel. 

 

The attack was conducted through a missile launcher which was later located in Anbar’s Haditha district.

 

The group, identifying themselves as "The Revolutionaries" (al-Thawriyoun) stated that they targeted the American-occupied base with several missiles and drones, vowing to continue their operations until all US troops leave Iraq.

 

The attack, which comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, was confirmed by two Iraqi security sources to Reuters who reported that two Katyusha rockets were fired at the base. 

 

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that one of the injured Americans sustained serious injuries. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, according to the White House.

 

Last Tuesday, the Pentagon said that US forces had carried out a “defensive” strike in Babil province targeting fighters who were trying to launch attack drones.

 

A Yemeni technical expert was among the four people killed in the strike.

 

According to the senior military commander, who spoke to The New Region on the condition of anonymity, the three Kataib Hezbollah members and the Yemeni Houthi technical expert “were testing a new generation of drones” near one of the Kataib Hezbollah’s headquarters in Jurf al-Sakhar when the strike targeted them.

 

Following the Monday attack, the Pentagon labeled the targeting of US forces as a "serious escalation." 

 

In a statement, the Pentagon revealed that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had discussed regional developments in a call. 

 

Both officials agreed that any assault by Iran-aligned militants on US forces in Iraq constitutes a significant escalation and highlights Iran's destabilizing activities in the region.

 

The Ain al-Asad base, located in Anbar province, has been a frequent target of rocket attacks attributed to Iranian-backed militias. The latest incident underscores the volatile security situation in Iraq and the broader Middle East.

Profile picture of Amr Al Housni
Author Amr Al Housni

Amr Al Housni is a Dubai-based journalist with a focus on reporting news and events across the MENA region.

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