A statement from the Department of Defense Tuesday laid blame on the Iranian regime.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.
We are working on initial battle damage assessments.
In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.
As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.
Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Reports from Fox News claimed missiles hit multiple locations in Iraq early Wednesday, with “tens” of missiles striking near the Al Assad Air Base, which Trump visited in December 2018. A base in Erbil was also reportedly hit, according to ABC News.
From Fox News:
The source told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin: “Under missile attack from Iran. These are either cruise missiles or short-range ballistic missiles. All over the country.” The missiles struck near Al Assad Air Base in Anbar, among other locations. There was no immediate word on injuries or damage.
Iranian state TV reported the Iranian Revolutionary Guard had taken responsibility for the attack.
#BREAKING #NOW
Iranian state television confirms that the missile attack on the American base of Al-Assad in central Iraq was carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and that it is the first response to the assassination of #Soleimani.#Iran #USA #IRGC #Trump
— Eva J. Koulouriotis – إيفا كولوريوتي (@evacool_) January 7, 2020
One photo purported to show a missile launch.
🔴فوري///بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
آغاز انتقام
شلیک موشکهای بالستیک ایرانی به سمت پایگاه عینالاسد در عراق که محل استقرار نیروهای آمریکایی است، میدهند.#كرمانشاه #قاسم_سليماني pic.twitter.com/N6NLmdvhUl
— Mahdi Bakhtiari (@Mahdiibakhtiari) January 7, 2020
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham confirmed President Donald Trump was aware of and monitoring the situation.
We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team.
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) January 7, 2020
The strikes come in the wake of a US strike on an airport in Baghdad which killed the leader of the elite Quds Force Qasem Soleimani.
