CENTCOM says Iran militants launched ballistic missiles at US airbase in Iraq, injured many

Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
WASHINGTON, 22nd Jan. US Central Command CENTCOM on Sunday said that Iran-backed militants in Western Iraq launched multiple rockets and ballistic missiles attacks on Saturday targeting Washington’s al-Assad Airbase in Western Iraq.

CENTCOM said that several US personnel are undergoing evaluation for “traumatic brain injuries” and at least one Iraqi service member was wounded in the attack.

US Central Command informed on social media platform X that “At 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”.

US conducted airstrikes against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and was prepared to launch, CENTCOM said.

Washington said its forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and therefore struck and destroyed the missile in ‘self-defence’.

The US carried out a round of attack against the Houthi rebels in Yemen destroyed three anti-ship missiles in the Red Sea.

White House confirmed in a statement that this was the fourth preemptive action taken by the US military after the tensions in the Red Sea.