US Base Attacked by Rockets, Multiple Casualties, Including U.S. Service Member

Tensions are escalating after three rockets hit a base where U.S. forces were stationed in Iraq on Monday night.

The attack left multiple casualties, including a U.S. service member and a U.S.-led coalition contractor.  Nine others were injured in the blasts, including American contractors and another U.S. service member.

Officials have reported a total of about 14 rockets were launched in the attack.

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A Shiite militant group quickly claimed responsibility for the attack.  They are known as the Saraya Awliya al-Dam.

The rockets, part of a volley of about 14, hit areas near the civilian airport in the Kurdish-run region as well as the nearby base hosting U.S. troops. One civilian contractor with the coalition was killed and nine others were wounded, a coalition spokesman, Col. Wayne Marotto, said in a statement posted on social media. One U.S. service member was among the injured and is being treated for concussion protocol, he said.

Military Times

Update: CJTF-OIR confirms approx. 14 107 mm rockets launched with 3 impacting within EAB, Feb 15 at 2130 hours (Iraqi time).
One civilian contractor was killed (Not US), and 9 injured ( 8 CIV contractors/ 1 US MIL) – 4 US/ 1 US MIL concussion protocol.

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) February 16, 2021

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U.S. forces in Iraq have been targeted frequently by rocket attacks, including the U.S. Embassy..

However, there hasn’t been an attack targeting the Irbil airport in five months, with the last one being Sept. 30, 2020.

An investigation into the attack is being led by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

“There will be consequences against the culprits. This aggression will not stand,” declared Hoshiyar Zebari, a politburo member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.