Iraq
Four rockets and launch pads were found in an orchard in Diyala province on June 11, 2021. Photo: Security Media Cell/handout
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iraqi forces on Friday seized four rockets in western Diyala province, aimed at an airbase housing US contractors that was hit by a rocket attack two days ago.
Four Katyusha rockets with launch pads were found in an orchard near the border with Salahaddin province, the military’s Security Media Cell announced. They were “ready to target Balad airbase,” it added.
On Wednesday night, three rockets hit the Balad airbase north of Baghdad, causing no casualties.
Frequent attacks on US interests around the country are blamed on Iranian-backed militias who want to force American troops to withdraw from Iraq. The attacks increased after the US assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad in January 2020.
Lockheed Martin maintenance teams for Iraq's F-16 fighter jets are based at Balad airbase. They were pulled out temporarily in March because of the security risks from rocket attacks.
“The threat of attacks this quarter forced U.S. contractors to evacuate Balad Air Base temporarily and contributed to the continued ordered departure of U.S Embassy staff,” the Pentagon stated in a recent report.
Earlier this month, Iraqi and American military commanders met for technical talks about implementing commitments made as part of their strategic dialogue in April when the United States agreed to withdraw all combat troops.
Four Katyusha rockets with launch pads were found in an orchard near the border with Salahaddin province, the military’s Security Media Cell announced. They were “ready to target Balad airbase,” it added.
On Wednesday night, three rockets hit the Balad airbase north of Baghdad, causing no casualties.
Frequent attacks on US interests around the country are blamed on Iranian-backed militias who want to force American troops to withdraw from Iraq. The attacks increased after the US assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad in January 2020.
Lockheed Martin maintenance teams for Iraq's F-16 fighter jets are based at Balad airbase. They were pulled out temporarily in March because of the security risks from rocket attacks.
“The threat of attacks this quarter forced U.S. contractors to evacuate Balad Air Base temporarily and contributed to the continued ordered departure of U.S Embassy staff,” the Pentagon stated in a recent report.
Earlier this month, Iraqi and American military commanders met for technical talks about implementing commitments made as part of their strategic dialogue in April when the United States agreed to withdraw all combat troops.
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