US personnel wounded as Iranian-backed militants attack airbase in western Iraq
Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets have been launched by Iranian-backed militants at an airbase in western Iraq, injuring a number of US military personnel.
US Central Command (CentCom) said the missiles and rockets targeted the Al-Asad airbase on Saturday evening.
It said most of the missiles were intercepted by the site's air defence systems, while others hit the base, and damage assessments were ongoing.
CentCom added: "A number of US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded."
This Al-Asad attack was the latest in a series of strikes on US positions in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-aligned groups in the region since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict last October.
It took place as US forces carried out further strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles.
US forces targeted a missile that was aimed at the Gulf of Aden, as they determined it presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
Washington recently declared the Houthis as a terrorist organisation due to the militia group's continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
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