Iran Fires Missile Targeting American Troops in Iraq

“More than a dozen” missiles from Iran have been fired at two air bases in Iraq housing American troops on Wednesday night, the Pentagon said in a statement.

According to an Irani news outlet, the attack signaled retaliation over the killing of Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

On Twitter, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said President Donald Trump has been informed of the incident.

“We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team,” Grisham wrote.

Below is the full statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman:

“At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.  It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.

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We are working on initial battle damage assessments.

In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.

As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.

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Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.”