According to Iraqi and American sources; At least five American personnel injured by two Katyusha rockets hitting Al-Asad Airbase

American officials told Reuters that as the Middle East braces for a potential new wave of attacks from the Iranian government and its allies following the deaths of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah last week, at least five American personnel were injured in a rocket attack on Monday at the Ain al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq. A U.S. defense official confirmed the suspicious rocket attack on Monday afternoon in a call to Fox News. The CENTCOM official stated that 'several' American personnel were injured during the incident. Reuters also reported that two Iraqi security sources announced that two Katyusha rockets were fired at the Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq. One Iraqi security source said that the rockets fell inside the base. It is unclear whether this attack is related to Iranian government threats of retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh. American officials, who wished to remain anonymous, told Reuters that one of the injured Americans was severely wounded. They stated that the casualty figures were based on initial reports and may change. One official added: 'Base personnel are conducting damage assessments following the attack.' Along with the killing of Fawad Shukr, a senior military commander of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, by Israel in an attack last week in Beirut, these actions have raised concerns that the conflict in Gaza could escalate into a broader war in the Middle East. The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated that the U.S. bears responsibility for Haniyeh's death due to its support for Israel. According to Pentagon reports, Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, agreed in a call on Monday that this attack is a sign of 'dangerous escalation.' Last week, the United States conducted an attack in Iraq against individuals whom American officials said were preparing to launch drones, posing a threat to U.S. forces and the coalition. The United States is monitoring the situation to see whether the Iranian government will fulfill its promise to respond to Haniyeh's killing in Tehran a few days ago. The Pentagon has stated that it will deploy more fighter jets and naval warships to the Middle East as Washington seeks to bolster defenses in response to threats from the Iranian government and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah. Iraq, a rare ally of both the United States and Iran, hosts 2,500 American soldiers, and Iran-backed militias are linked to its security forces. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October, the country has witnessed an escalation of retaliatory attacks. Iraqi sources have stated that Iraq wants U.S.-led coalition military forces to withdraw by October and officially end the coalition's operations by October 2025, with some American forces likely remaining in a new advisory capacity. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday. An Iraqi official said Blinken urged Sudani to help persuade the Iranian government to moderate its response to what he called 'Israel's attack on Tehran' last week that resulted in the killing of the Hamas leader, taking steps toward de-escalation. General Michael 'Eric' Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, is currently in the Middle East. One American official said Kurilla is speaking with allies to ensure coordination in the event of an attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel. The U.S. supported Israel's approach in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. U.S. officials reported the relocation of missile launch platforms by Iran; a multinational coalition warned Israel to limit its response to potential attacks. Reports indicate at least one missile struck the Ain al-Asad base. The Middle East is concerned about military action by the Islamic Republic; Biden spoke with the King of Jordan and his national security team.