Iran-backed militants launch ballistic missiles at US airbase in Iraq, injuring multiple people

According to US Central Command, numerous rockets and ballistic missiles were fired on Saturday (local time) by militants backed by Iran into Western Iraq, targeting Washington’s al-Assad Airbase. The attack resulted in multiple injuries to US personnel. CENTCOM reported that at least one Iraqi service member was injured in the attack, and that a number of US personnel are being evaluated for “traumatic brain injuries.”

“At approximately 6:30 pm (Baghdad time) time Jan. 20, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defense systems while others impacted on the base. Damage assessments are ongoing. A number of US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded,” the US Central Command informed on social media platform X.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US launched airstrikes on a Houthi anti-ship missile that was poised for launch and pointed toward the Gulf of Aden earlier on Saturday. According to Washington, its forces struck and destroyed the missile in “self-defence” after concluding it posed a threat to nearby merchant ships and US Navy ships. In a recent round of strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States destroyed three anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea.