Drone attempting to attack U.S. military base shot down in northern Iraq
Drone attempting to attack U.S. military base shot down in northern Iraq (photo: Getty Images)
Airfield defense systems shoot down an armed drone over Erbil airport in northern Iraq, where U.S. and other international forces are deployed, reports Reuters.
A terrorist group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said it had launched a drone to attack a U.S. base. According to security sources, there were no casualties or damage to infrastructure.
U.S. and international forces based in Iraq and across the border in Syria are on high alert amid dozens of attacks on their bases since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The drone attack reportedly took place less than 24 hours after two drones were shot down on Saturday evening near the al-Harir military base in northern Iraq, which also houses U.S. forces.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani ordered an investigation in coordination with the Kurdish regional security forces and promised to bring those responsible to justice.
Background
On Monday, December 25, the U.S. Army attacked the targets of the Kataib Hezbollah group. This attack was a response to a drone strike on a U.S. base in Iraq.
Then, as a result of a drone attack by militants linked to Iraq, one American serviceman was in critical condition and two others were wounded.
American President Joe Biden said that the U.S. air strikes on targets in Iraq were aimed at deterring Iran and militant groups supporting Tehran from attacking American personnel and facilities in the Middle East.
