Iranian-Backed Group Launches Ballistic Missiles at Iraq Airbase, Injuring US Personnel

Injuries to US and Iraqi personnel have been reported, including traumatic brain injuries.

The headquarters of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) paramilitaries in Baghdad on Jan. 4, 2024. Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images

Iran-backed fighters in western Iraq attacked international coalition forces with a barrage of ballistic missiles and rockets at Iraq’s al-Assad airbase on Jan. 19, causing injuries to Iraqi and U.S. personnel.

While many of the missiles were intercepted by the major airbase’s air defense systems, others hit their target, officials at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.