Reuters reported, citing two Iraqi security sources, that on Sunday, April 21, at least five missiles were fired from the town of Zummar in Iraq towards the United States military base in northeastern Syria. Two security sources and a senior Iraqi army officer told Reuters that a missile launcher mounted on the back of a truck in the border town of Zummar fired these missiles, which were immediately targeted by warplanes in the sky, and the remaining rockets were destroyed before launch. This attack occurred one day after a massive explosion at a military base belonging to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq and on the same day that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani returned to Baghdad from a trip to the United States where he met with the US President. The Sunday attack on US forces is the first since mid-February when Iran-backed groups in Iraq attacked a US military base on the Jordan-Syria border, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers.
Reuters Reports Five Missiles Fired from Iraq Towards US Military Base in Syria
Five missiles were fired from Iraq towards a US military base in Syria, with the attack occurring shortly after a significant explosion at a PMF base in Iraq. This incident marks the first attack on US forces since mid-February, highlighting ongoing tensions involving Iran-backed groups. The timing coincides with the Iraqi Prime Minister's return from a visit to the US.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Five missiles were fired from Iraq towards a US military base in Syria, with some missiles destroyed before launch. This attack follows a significant explosion at a PMF base and marks the first assault on US forces since mid-February.
- Missiles were launched from Zummar, Iraq.
- The attack coincided with the Iraqi Prime Minister's return from a trip to the US.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The US has maintained a military presence in Syria to combat ISIS, while Iran supports various militia groups in Iraq that oppose US involvement. The PMF has been a significant player in Iraq's security landscape.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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