Iran Fires Missiles at Airbases in Iraq Housing U.S. Troops (UPDATED)
An airbase in Iraq housing U.S. forces was targeted in a missile attack. (UPDATE: The Pentagon confirmed two bases were targeted by multiple missiles from Iran.)
Al Asad airbase in western Iraq is under attack, according to US military officials. Multiple rounds have hit – not clear if it’s rockets or missiles yet. @CENTCOM @OIRSpox
— Courtney Kube (@ckubeNBC) January 7, 2020
From senior US military source in Iraq:
“Under missile attack from Iran. These are either cruise missiles or short range ballistic missiles. All over the country.”— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 7, 2020
I am told from US official these are short range ballistic or cruise missiles being fired from Iranian territory at multiple US bases and targets inside Iraq. https://t.co/xKh2NPiDyz
— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) January 7, 2020
U.S. defense official confirms that Al Asad air base in Iraq’s Anbar province has been hit by at least six rockets tonight. Additional details unclear. But very credible source.
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) January 7, 2020
CNN reports at least 10 rockets hit the airbase.
Per the AP, Iran is taking credit and “State TV described it early Wednesday as Tehran’s revenge operation over the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.”
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham tweeted tonight the president is monitoring the situation:
We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team.
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) January 7, 2020
Per the Wall Street Journal, one U.S. official said “there were no U.S. casualties at the Al Asad base, although there were Iraqi casualties.” (CNN later reported that Iraqi security officials were saying there were “no casualties among Iraqi security forces.”)
UPDATE: Hours after the missile attack, President Trump tweeted “All is well!”:
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted, “Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”
You can watch Fox News’ report above.
