US Forces Respond to Attacks in Iraq, Retaliating Against Iran-Backed Militants

US forces at Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq were attacked by a close-range ballistic missile, resulting in eight injuries and minor infrastructure damage. In response, a US military aircraft hit an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and personnel involved in the attack. This marks the first public retaliation on Iraqi territory to recent militant drone and missile attacks on US troops. The attacks have been linked to US support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. The United States has previously limited its response to strikes in Syria, but this marks a shift in its approach.