SAMARRA, Iraq: A volley of rockets slammed into an Iraqi air base north of Baghdad where US forces have been based, wounding four local troops, the Iraqi military said on Sunday.
Its statement said eight Katyusha-type rockets landed on Al-Balad air base, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen.
Al-Balad is the main air base for Iraq’s F-16s, which it bought from the US to upgrade its air capacities.
The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but a majority had been evacuated following tensions between the US and Iran over the past two weeks, military sources told AFP.
“About 90 percent of the US advisers, and employees of Sallyport and Lockheed Martin who are specialized in aircraft maintenance, have withdrawn to Taji and Irbil after threats,” one of the sources said.
“There are no more than 15 US soldiers and a single plane at Al-Balad,” the source added.
Military bases hosting US troops have been subject to volleys of rocket and mortar attacks in recent months that have mostly wounded Iraqi forces, but also killed one American contractor last month.
That death set off a series of dramatic developments, with the US carrying out strikes against a pro-Iran paramilitary group in Iraq as well as a convoy carrying top Iranian and Iraqi commanders outside Baghdad airport.
Pro-Iran factions in Iraq have vowed revenge for those raids, even as Iran said it had already responded in “proportion” by striking another western air base where US soldiers are located.
Rocket attacks against Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone, where the US and other embassies are based alongside international troops, are still taking place.
Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US troops — military
https://arab.news/c4agt
Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US troops — military
- The attack occurred at Al-Balad — the main air base for Iraq’s F-16s bought from the US
- No more than 15 US soldiers and a single plane at Al-Balad, says source
Syrian foreign minister: National interest and the welfare of the people top priority
- Hassan Al-Shaibani highlights reconstruction efforts, internal reforms during Munich discussion
MUNICH: The Syrian Arab Republic Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani spoke on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference about the country’s ongoing recovery, internal reforms, and the impact of Israeli military actions.
“We are satisfied with the achievements we have made, but we continue striving to deliver the best for our people,” Al-Shaibani said.
“We will not tire or give up and will work day and night to build the Syria we aspire to, together with our citizens.”
In the Syrian Arab News Agency report the minister stressed that the Syrian state had not shirked its responsibility for what happened in Sweida and other areas, noting that “the national interest and the welfare of the people have always been our top priority.”
He emphasized that the diversity in Syria is a source of strength.
We live in a country exhausted by war and by the mismanagement inherited from the deposed regime.
Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani
“We share national interests, including the unity and territorial integrity of the country, and we operate within the framework of the law,” he added.
Al-Shaibani highlighted progress in rebuilding state institutions and restoring trust between the government and the public.
“We live in a country exhausted by war and by the mismanagement inherited from the deposed regime,” he said. “Syrian society remains fragmented, both inside the country and abroad, and continues to face humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.”
He emphasized that efforts to unify the country include consolidating state control over weapons, a principle established after the revolution’s victory.
The minister also highlighted the role of Syrian citizens in the recovery process.
“What we rely on is our people, who possess determination and ambition,” he said, adding that “lifting sanctions is the key to reconstruction.”
He noted that there are still displacement camps in the country and that many refugees continue to live abroad.
Turning to external issues, he expressed concern over Israeli military activity.
“Since Dec. 8, 2024, Syria has faced more than 1,000 airstrikes, the occupation of new areas in southern Syria, and over 500 ground incursions,” he said, adding that the Syrian state has pursued a realistic approach toward Israel, prioritizing reconstruction and national recovery.
He noted, however, that the policy might not have been acceptable to Israel, which “continues to seek regional conflicts.”
Al-Shaibani emphasized that negotiations should result in Israel withdrawing from the areas it occupied after Dec. 8, respecting Syrian sovereignty and airspace.
Syria’s deputy interior minister met with Germany’s interior minister on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
They discussed security developments and prospects for cooperation, according to a statement from the interior ministry.
Maj. Gen. Abdulkader Al-Tahhan held talks with German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt during the annual conference.
The Syrian Interior Ministry said the meeting included a review of current developments in Syria and their impact on security and humanitarian issues.
It added that both sides stressed the importance of coordination and information-sharing in support of regional and international stability.
The statement said the officials also discussed possible cooperation between the two interior ministries, including training, capacity-building and the exchange of expertise.
