Tehran: In a significant development, the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq faced a major missile attack on Saturday orchestrated by Iranian-backed terrorists. The assault targeted the airbase with multiple ballistic missiles and rockets, resulting in injuries to several US military personnel and one Iraqi service member. Although the airbase's defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, some managed to hit their target, prompting an ongoing assessment of the damage.

The injured US personnel are currently undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries, according to US Central Command. This attack follows a series of strikes on US positions in Iraq and Syria by Iran's proxies since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

Central Command reported on the incident, stating, "Iranian-backed Militants Attack Al-Assad Airbase, Iraq. At approximately 6:30 p.m. (Baghdad time) on 20th January, 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 the base. Damage assessments are ongoing. Several US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded."

Since the Israel-Hamas conflict, the US military has faced a total of 58 attacks in Iraq and 83 in Syria by Iran's proxies. These attacks, including rockets and one-way attack drones, are perceived as a response to US support for Israel against the Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas.

The terrorists responsible for the strike have been identified as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group comprising Iran-backed Iraqi terrorists. The situation is more severe than initial reports from Iraqi security sources, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

These developments occur within the broader context of escalating tensions between the US and Iran, marked by accusations from both sides. Iran accuses the US of supporting Israel's strikes in Syria and Lebanon, heightening fears of a broader conflict. In response, the US has designated the Houthi Group in Yemen as a terrorist organization and conducted airstrikes across Yemen.

Simultaneously, Iran has launched ballistic missiles at targets in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. The situation further escalated with a suspected Israeli strike in Damascus, resulting in the death of Iran's intelligence chief and three other military advisers. Amid these events, Iran has vowed retaliation, raising concerns about the potential spillover of hostilities in the broader Middle East region.

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