Iran state TV claims missile launch against U.S. base in Iraq
Iranian state TV says Tehran has launched «tens» of surface-to-surface missiles at Iraq’s Ain Assad airbase, which houses U.S. troops, in response to the killing of top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.
There was no immediate information on any damage or casualties from the purported attack, a U.S. official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said the White House is aware of the reports.
«The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team,» she said.
Ain Assad airbase is located in Iraq’s western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
State TV said the operation’s name was «Martyr Soleimani.» It said the aerospace division of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which controls the country’s missile program, launched the attack.
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