Iraq8 rocket fired at al-Balad base near Baghdad capital, injuring 4 Iraqi soldiers, US forces have no casualties.

The attack happened last night when eight rounds were fired at al-Balad air base about 50 km north of Baghdad. Iraqi security forces initially stated that this was a mortar shell strike, but later announced that the weapons used were rocket launchers.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Iraqi government also declined to comment on the culprit and did not mention the recent tensions between the US and Iran.

Al-Balad is home to the Iraqi F-16IQ versatile fighter squadron. The US has deployed many air force soldiers and civilian contractors here, but most have left due to tensions in two weeks. "90% of US advisors, along with Lockheed Martin and Sallyport employees, withdrew to Taji and Irbil. In al-Balad there are currently only about 15 US soldiers and one plane," Iraqi military sources said.

The base of US troops stationed in Iraq has been a target for mortar and rocket attacks in recent months. The raids often killed Iraqi soldiers, but a large-scale attack on the base in Kirkuk in late December 2019 killed a US contractor. Washington then attacked and inflicted heavy losses on Tehran-backed Iraqi militia, as well as killing Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Iran responded by launching multiple ballistic missiles at two bases with US troops stationed near Baghdad and Irbil, while Iraqi militia also vowed revenge.

Location of al-Balad air base. Graphics: USA Today.