Satellite image, showing the damage to at least five structures at Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq in a series of precision missile strikes launched by Iran 8 January 2020 (wikipedia / © 2020 Planet Labs, Inc. cc-by-sa 4.0)

By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

At least 10 rockets targeted an military base in western Iraq  on Wednesday that hosts US and coalition troops, an American defense  spokesman said.   The 10  IDF rockets struck: at approximately 7:20 a.m. (Iraqi time), according to Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesman for the U.S.-led  military coalition. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack .

Initial report: 10 IDF rockets targeted an Iraqi military base, Al Asad Airbase, hosting Coalition troops, on March 03, 2021 at approx 7:20 a.m. (Iraqi time). Iraqi SF are leading the response & investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) March 3, 2021

There were no reported casualties among U.S. or coalition troops.  Last year,  There was  a similar, larger-scale rocket strike on the same base by Iranian-backed militias  that pushed the U.S.  close to  brink of war with Iran.  That attack by Iran was reportedly  in retaliation for  the U.S.-directed drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport.   

U.S. Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes Against IRAN-Backed Militants in SYRIA

Wednesday’s attack  also came after President Joe Biden ordered a U.S. airstrike in Syria last week, in response to a series of rocket attacks on American and coalition troops in Iraq.   Three 107 mm rockets struck an Iraqi airbase in Irbil where U.S. forces are based, killing one non-U.S. civilian contractor and injuring a U.S. service member and others. It was the first known military offensive undertaken by the Biden administration since assuming office.  The Pentagon said the “proportionate military response”  was conducted together with diplomatic measures, including consultation with Coalition partners. 

“The operation sends an unambiguous message: President Biden will act to protect American and Coalition personnel. At the same time, we have acted in a deliberate manner that aims to de-escalate the overall situation in both eastern Syria and Iraq.”     – Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said of the Feb. 25, 2021  U.S. airstrikes.