Two drones were launched against Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, Iraq on Tuesday, targeting US-led anti-jihadist coalition forces. One drone was shot down outside the base, while the second exploded inside without causing injuries or damage. The attack comes amid regional tensions fueled by the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have threatened action should war break out between their ally Hezbollah and Israel. The attack on Tuesday was believed to be aimed at pressuring talks on the future of the international coalition in Iraq, with Iran-backed groups demanding a withdrawal. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
The US military has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the international coalition deployed at the Iraqi government’s request in 2014 to combat ISIS. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, made up of Iran-backed groups, has carried out numerous rocket and drone strikes against US-led troops in Iraq and Syria in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Incidents like the drone strike in Iraq that killed three US soldiers in January have led to retaliatory strikes by the US against pro-Iran factions in Iraq and Syria. Talks are ongoing between Baghdad and Washington to negotiate a timeline for the coalition’s withdrawal, with an Iraqi delegation expected to travel to Washington later this week for further discussions.
