WASHINGTON – US Officials are telling media that there were not any American casualties in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad military airbase in Iraq. Reports are there were casualties among Iraqis at the base following the attack.
Update: 21:00 EST (GMT -5) – The White House has announced the President will not be addressing the nation on Tuesday.
Rockets Launched From Iran – Pentagon
Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman says, “At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.
“We are working on initial battle damage assessments.
“In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.
“As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.
“Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
