On the evening of September 30, 2024, a US military installation in Baghdad was reportedly targeted by a rocket attack, according to Iraqi military officials. The incident occurred at the Victoria base, situated near Baghdad International Airport, Iraq's primary aviation hub.
At least two rockets were reportedly launched at the facility around midnight local time. The base's air defense systems were activated, reportedly intercepting the incoming projectiles. This event highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by US forces in the region.
The munitions used in the attack were identified as Katyusha rockets, a weapon system with a long history. Originally developed by the Soviet Union in the 1930s, these rockets have since been utilized by various groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah and other Iranian-linked organizations operating in Iraq.
This incident is part of a series of attacks targeting US military installations in the region since October 2023, when the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted. The ongoing tensions have raised concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict, with various proxy forces being employed in these confrontations.
The US military presence in Iraq, which has been maintained since the 2003 invasion, has faced numerous challenges. These include not only direct threats but also complex diplomatic relations with the Iraqi government and the growing influence of Iran in the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
In January 2024, a similar attack on a US base in northern Jordan resulted in the deaths of three American troops, prompting a retaliatory response from the United States. This escalation demonstrated the potential for such incidents to have significant diplomatic and strategic consequences.
"We are aware of the reported rocket attack on our forces in Baghdad. The safety of our personnel is our top priority, and we are currently assessing the situation. We will respond appropriately to any threat against our troops."
The ongoing attacks on US bases in the Middle East, including those in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, underscore the complex security landscape in the region. These incidents not only pose immediate risks to personnel but also complicate the US mission of training Iraqi security forces and maintaining regional stability.
As tensions persist, the international community remains watchful of developments in Iraq and the broader Middle East. The use of proxy forces and the potential for miscalculation continue to be significant concerns for policymakers and military strategists alike.