U.S. forces in Iraq conducted a defensive airstrike in the Musayib in Babil Province on Tuesday evening, a U.S. military official confirmed to Fox News.
The strike was carried out at 5 p.m. ET and targeted combatants attempting to launch one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems or OWAUAS, the official said.
« Based on recent attacks in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command assessed that the OWAUAS posed a threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces, » the official told Fox News. « This action underscores the United States’ commitment to the safety and security of our personnel. We maintain the inherent right to self-defense and will not hesitate to take appropriate action. »
ROCKETS LAUNCHED AT US FORCES STATIONED AT AIN AL-ASAD AIRBASE IN IRAQ
The strike comes after four rockets were launched last week near Ain al-Asad airbase, which houses U.S. troops.
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There were no reported injuries, and none of the rockets landed inside the base in the July 25 attack, a U.S. defense official told Fox News.
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Iran-backed factions in Iraq have targeted U.S. troops at bases in the country dozens of times since the start of the Israel-Gaza War in October with a slowdown since February.
Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin and Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson contributed to this report.