Several rockets were launched on Thursday and Friday targeting bases housing troops from the U.S.-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, according to security officials and a war monitor.
At least four rockets reportedly landed near the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, while another attack involved a drone and three rockets near the base perimeter. Initial reports indicated that the projectiles landed outside the base without causing injuries or damage. Additionally, a rocket fell near a coalition base in the Conoco gas field in Deir Ezzor province, with a blast heard but no immediate reports of casualties.
These attacks occurred after a recent security meeting between Iraqi and U.S. officials in Washington regarding the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition, amid demands from Iran-backed groups for a withdrawal of U.S. troops. While attacks on U.S. troops had largely subsided in recent months, there were over 175 similar incidents recorded in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The U.S. military maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of the coalition deployed to combat the Islamic State group, which still poses a threat through remnants that carry out attacks in both countries.