By Haley Britzky, CNN
(CNN) — Several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack Monday against US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, a US defense official said.
“We can confirm that there was a suspected rocket attack today against US and Coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq,” the official said. “Initial indications are that several US personnel were injured. Base personnel are conducting a post-attack damage assessment.”
It also comes just days after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered additional military assets to the region, sending a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron and additional warships to the Middle East.
While it’s unclear who carried out the rocket attack on Monday, US officials have long blamed attacks on troops in Iraq and Syria on Iran-backed militia groups.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said last month after a drone attack on Al-Asad that it was “most likely” carried out by Iranian-supported groups.
“We know that these are IRGC-backed militias that have launched these attacks on US forces in the past. Most likely than not, it is one of those affiliate groups,” Singh said on July 18.
“The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world,” Biden said at the time. “But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.”
The-CNN-Wire
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