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U.S , Iraq

Late Sunday saw a concerning escalation in the Middle East conflict as rockets were launched from northern Iraq towards a military base in Syria housing the US-led coalition. The incident, reported by Iraqi security forces, marked the first major attack against coalition forces in several weeks.

Iraqi security forces swiftly responded, initiating a comprehensive search operation in northern Nineveh province. Their efforts led to the discovery of the vehicle believed to have been used in the attack, as stated in an official release.

The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region, following reported actions between Israel and Iran, and against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza war. The timing suggests a potentially retaliatory nature, though no formal claims have been made as of yet.

According to Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the rockets originated from Iraqi territory, targeting the Kharab al-Jir base in northeast Syria, where US forces are stationed. Rahman attributed the attack to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed groups, which has been implicated in previous assaults on US forces.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has cited solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to US support for Israel as motivations for its actions. This aligns with previous statements and incidents, including a drone attack in January that claimed the lives of three US soldiers near the Jordanian-Syrian border.

In response to past attacks, the US military conducted strikes on targets in both Syria and Iraq, aiming to deter further aggression. However, such actions have drawn criticism from the affected governments and exacerbated tensions in the region.

The rocket attack underscores the precarious situation in the Middle East, where various factions vie for influence and pursue their agendas amidst ongoing conflicts. The presence of US forces in Iraq and Syria, primarily focused on combating the Islamic State group, has become a focal point for regional discontent and acts of violence.

The incident serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the challenges faced by international coalitions operating in the region. As tensions persist and sporadic violence continues, the prospects for stability and lasting peace remain uncertain.