An Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting the Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq on Saturday resulted in injuries to US personnel, according to statements from two US officials. Tasnim News Agency reported that the IRGC used Fateh-313 and Qiam ballistic missiles in the attack.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged the incident in a statement released that evening, revealing that several US personnel were being assessed for potential traumatic brain injuries. The attack involved multiple ballistic missiles and rockets, with a portion of these being successfully intercepted by the air base’s defense systems. However, some missiles did succeed in striking the base.
This specific attack is notable for its use of ballistic missiles, which are significantly more powerful and less commonly used than rockets or one-way attack drones. By using this type of missile, it is clear Iran’s intentions were two-fold. First, it demonstrated intent to cause serious damage. Second, it was intended to send a message to the US that it is taking the conflict to the next level. This escalation occurs amidst increasing regional tensions, particularly as the conflict between Israel and Hamas surpasses 100 days.
Interestingly, some reports claim Iran’s strike killed a man with a close connection to Israel’s Mossad. A report by Press TV said Peshraw Majid Agha Dizayee, killed in the Iranian strike, was Mossad’s “main man” in Iraq. The building that was reportedly destroyed in the strike was also “owned” by Dizayee. Press TV also cited photographs that establish Dizayee’s close ties with Mossad.
The heightened risk to US and coalition forces is evident, with a surge in threats from Iranian-backed Shia militias since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since Oct. 7, there have been over 143 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. The attack on Saturday marks the second instance where ballistic missiles were employed against US forces.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a militia group with ties to Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s involvement underscores the complex dynamics and heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
The heightened tensions between Iran-backed militias and the US in Iraq follow a US military drone strike in Baghdad on January 4, which targeted a senior leader of one such militia, the Guardian reports.
There are 2,500 US troops still stationed in Iraq, part of the ongoing mission to counter the Islamic State terror group.
Another 900 US troops are deployed to Syria to prevent a resurgence by the Islamic State, the Pentagon reports.
Over the span of two days, Iran carried out military strikes against targets in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan, three nations with which it has complicated relationships. This sudden escalation in military action prompted Pakistan to retaliate with a missile attack on Iranian soil. The timing and rationale behind Iran’s strikes raise several questions.
The impetus for these actions seems to be internal pressure within Iran, particularly from Islamic hardliners. These groups have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Iran’s perceived inaction in several regional conflicts. Specifically, they are dissatisfied with Iran’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Furthermore, these hardliners have expressed frustration over Iran’s relatively restrained reaction to the assassination of several top Revolutionary Guard commanders in Syria by Israel, as well as the limited support provided to the Houthis in Yemen amid strikes by the US and UK.
Adding to these tensions was a recent bomb attack in the Iranian city of Kerman, claimed by the Islamic State group (IS), which resulted in at least 84 fatalities. This incident likely intensified the pressure on the Revolutionary Guards to demonstrate a more forceful response.
In attempting to balance these internal pressures with the need to avoid escalating tensions with Israel and the US, Iran has been cautious. Its involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict has been indirect, primarily through military support to groups like Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah.
However, Iran’s decision to strike targets in Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan appears to have had unintended consequences. Iran claims its missile and drone attack within Pakistan was aimed at Jaish al-Adli, which it labels as an “Iranian terrorist group.” Pakistan, however, reported civilian casualties, including the deaths of two children, and viewed the strike as a serious violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a nuclear power, Pakistan’s decision to respond with a missile attack on Iranian territory was likely influenced by the need to maintain its stance on national sovereignty and the integrity of its nuclear deterrence.
These developments illustrate the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges Iran faces in navigating internal pressures while managing its relationships with neighboring countries and broader international interests.