Several U.S. service members sustained serious injuries in a targeted strike on al-Assad Airbase in Western Iraq on Saturday, launched by Iranian-backed militants. The attack occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., with “a number” of American personnel being evaluated for potential brain injuries, according to U.S. Central Command.

While al-Assad’s air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, some impacts occurred due to unintercepted artillery fire. The attackers, believed to be Iranian-backed militants, launched multiple rockets and ballistic missiles at the airbase. The incident also resulted in injuries to at least one Iraqi service member.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was a continuation of their resistance against the presence of American forces in Iraq and the broader region. The group justified the strike as a response to what they referred to as the “Zionist entity’s massacres against our people in Gaza.”

Al-Assad Airbase, a significant supply center during Operation Iraqi Freedom, played a crucial role in military operations. It housed the headquarters for the 7th Division of the Iraqi Army and served as an infantry school.

The U.S. military did not provide specific details about the exact condition of the injured personnel but confirmed ongoing evaluations for potential brain injuries.

As tensions rise in the region, this latest attack underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and the challenges faced by U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East.