Mortar Attack Hits Iraq Air Base Where US Troops Are Stationed

Library image of a US aircraft at Balad air base, where the incident happened (Picture: US Department of Defense).

Three mortar shells have hit an air base just north of Baghdad where American forces are training Iraqi troops, according to the country's military.

Officials said the attack caused a small fire but there were no casualties.

The attack on Balad air base comes amid rising tension between the US and Iran.

Earlier this week, the US accused Iran of being behind an attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. 

Last month, a rocket exploded less than a mile away from the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.