U.S. military forces executed a defensive airstrike in Musayib, located in Babil Province, on Tuesday evening, as confirmed by a U.S. military representative to Fox News.
The operation took place at 5 p.m. ET, aiming at combatants who were attempting to deploy one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems, also known as OWAUAS, according to the official.
“In light of recent assaults in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command determined that the OWAUAS posed a considerable threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces,” the official relayed to Fox News. “This operation reinforces the United States’ dedication to the safety and security of our personnel. We uphold our inherent right to self-defense and will act decisively when necessary.”
ROCKETS FIRED AT U.S. FORCES AT AIN AL-ASAD AIRBASE IN IRAQ
FILE – Iraqi security personnel are present at Ain al-Asad airbase. U.S. forces executed a defensive airstrike in Musayib, Babil Province on Tuesday evening. (Reuters/Thaier Al-Sudani)
This airstrike follows an incident where four rockets were fired last week near Ain al-Asad airbase, which is occupied by U.S. troops.
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No injuries were reported, and all rockets from the attack on July 25 missed the base, according to a U.S. defense source who spoke to Fox News.
FILE – U.S. soldiers are seen clearing rubble at Ain al-Asad military base in Anbar Province, Iraq. Four rockets landed near the airbase on July 25, but there were no reported injuries or damage to the base, as verified by Fox News. (Ayman Henna)
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Since the onset of the Israel-Gaza War in October, Iran-backed groups in Iraq have targeted U.S. forces at bases in the region multiple times, although activity has decreased since February.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin and Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson.
