On Tuesday, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command reported that American defense systems intercepted two Katyusha rockets targeting Victoria Base, located at Baghdad International Airport. The rockets were destroyed in mid-air, preventing them from hitting their intended targets.
Two military sources confirmed to Reuters that at least two Katyusha rockets were fired at Victoria Base, which houses U.S. troops as part of ongoing operations.
No Disruption to Baghdad Airport
Despite the attack, Iraq’s Ministry of Transportation issued a statement clarifying that air traffic at Baghdad International Airport was not disrupted. The base shares the airport’s infrastructure, leading to initial concerns about the safety of civilian flights.
U.S. Forces in Iraq and Syria
Currently, the United States maintains approximately 2,500 military personnel in Iraq and another 900 in Syria. These forces are part of the international coalition established in 2014 to combat ISIS.
Future of U.S. Military Presence
Last Friday, both Washington and Baghdad confirmed that the international coalition would conclude its combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year. This decision comes after several months of bilateral discussions aimed at determining the future of U.S. military operations in the country.
However, the joint statement and U.S. officials did not provide specific details about the future number of American troops that will remain in Iraq beyond the end of the mission.
