Rocket Hits Iraq Base Hosting US Troops: Security Sources
Umer Jamshaid Published February 14, 2020 | 01:10 AM
Kirkuk, Iraq, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2020 ) :A rocket slammed into an Iraqi base where American troops are stationed in the remote province of Kirkuk, Iraqi and US security sources told AFP on Thursday night.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
According to three separate Iraqi security sources, the Katyusha rocket hit the K1 base at around 8:45pm local time (1745 GMT) and US military aircraft immediately began flying low over the area.
It was the first attack on the base since December 27, when a volley of around 30 rockets killed a US contractor there and unleashed a dramatic escalation.
Washington blamed the rockets on Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline Iraqi military faction close to Iran, and conducted retaliatory strikes that killed 25 of the group's fighters.
Supporters of the group then surrounded the US embassy in Baghdad, breaking through its outer perimeter in an unprecedented breach on the mission.
Days later, a US drone strike at Baghdad airport killed Iran's pointman on Iraqi affairs Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man, Kataeb Hezbollah co-founder Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
In outrage, Iraq's parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country, including around 5,200 US troops deployed to help local forces beat back remnants of the Islamic State group.
Those troops, as well as the US embassy in Baghdad, have faced nearly 20 rocket attacks over the past four months.
The most significant was Iran's response to Soleimani's killing, when Tehran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at the sprawling Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq on January 8.
The troops had prior warning and none were killed, but more than 100 have since been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Finance Minister reiterates determination to make business environment more cond ..
SC all set to take up govt pleas challenging ruling against NAB amendments
Islamabad, Rawalpindi weather update: Rain breaks heat wave
PM calls for urgent steps to make exports more competitive
Interior Minister visits site of under construction Jail in Islamabad
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 10 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 10 May 2024
London, Frankfurt stocks hit record highs on rate-cut hopes
May 9 culprits must be brought to logical end: Hanif Abbasi
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
Balochistan Assembly passes resolution to condemn May 9 attacks
Spain govt vows to block hostile BBVA bid for rival bank
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Collective efforts vital to eradicate drugs addiction
7 hours ago -
Concerted efforts urged to ease traffic flow on city roads
5 days ago -
Land degradation: A threat to food security
5 days ago -
Revamping health sector, a gigantic task ahead
5 days ago -
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
6 days ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
7 days ago
-
Experts for ending child labour
9 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
9 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
12 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
12 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
12 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
13 days ago