Defense News ,U.S:- Several US personnel were injured in a recent attack on Washington's al-Assad Airbase in Western Iraq. Iran-backed militants launched rockets and ballistic missiles, targeting the airbase. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack occurred on Saturday around 6:30 pm (Baghdad time). While the airbase's defense systems intercepted most missiles, some impacted the base, leading to injuries among US personnel.
CENTCOM stated that the wounded individuals are undergoing evaluation for "traumatic brain injuries." Additionally, at least one Iraqi service member was injured in the assault. Damage assessments are ongoing.
In a separate incident on the same day, the US carried out airstrikes against a Houthi anti-ship missile in the Gulf of Aden. The missile posed a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. The US Central Command described the action as a self-defensive measure.
This marks the fourth preemptive action by the US military in the Red Sea amid escalating tensions. The US recently designated the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a "terrorist" organization, citing their continued attacks and threats to shipping. Sanctions were imposed, but the designation will take effect after 30 days.
In response to the designation, the Houthis asserted that it won't impact their operations in preventing Israeli ships from crossing the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis, supporting the Palestinian armed group Hamas, launched attacks in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. These strikes have disrupted trade routes between Asia and Europe, causing concern among major world powers.
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