The US military confirms an ongoing rocket attack on Al-Asad airbase where US troops are based. It’s the one Trump said Iraq would have to pay for if the US leaves.
At least six rockets so far tonight on Al-Asad airbase which hosts US troops in Iraq. Reports of an earlier attack on Taji were false - US military official
3. No confirmation that of the much higher figure of 30 rockets fired.
4. The IRGC has claimed the attack on US troops at Al-Asad in a statement. It says “tens” of ballistic missiles were fired to avenge Qasem Soleimani in an operation called Operation Martyr Soleimani. A video shows the ballistic missiles purportedly being fired.
This doesn’t yet feel like a major escalation. The US military was anticipating an attack and personnel had taken cover. Iran can claim it took revenge. Feels more like an escalation to deescalate.
The Pentagon says “more than a dozen” ballistic missiles were launched from Iran at two locations in Iraq where US troops are based, Al-Asad and Erbil. “These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces & interests”
“As we evaluate the situation & our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect & defend U.S. personnel, partners & allies in the region”- Pentagon, on the Iranian missiles fired at Al-Asad.
The IRGC statement indicated that the Al Asad attack tonight was the revenge that was promised. Let’s hope that’s it.
Whether this escalates any further is now entirely up to Trump.
Whether this escalates any further is now entirely up to Trump.
Any further escalation will also depend on whether there have been any U.S. casualties. Military officials think not, but that hasn’t been fully confirmed yet.
CNN is reporting that there are confirmed Iraqi casualties at the Al-Asad airbase, where U.S. troops are co-located. Around a dozen ballistic missiles were fired at the base from Iran, the Pentagon says.
Iranian media now reporting that Iranian warplanes have taken off from their bases.
“All is well!...So far so good!” - Trump tweets on the Iranian missile attack on Al-Asad airbase.
Pentagon officials have gone home.
We are still not looking at a major escalation.
Pentagon officials have gone home.
We are still not looking at a major escalation.
