Five U.S. troops injured in rocket attack in Iraqi Airbase

Five U.S. service members and two contractors were injured Monday in a rocket attack at an Iraqi air base, defense officials said, an incident that risks further escalation in a region on the brink of wider conflict.

The Pentagon said Tuesday that militants supported by Iran were responsible for the attack at Al Asad air base. U.S. forces in Iraq and neighboring Syria have repeatedly tangled with such groups as Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza has inspired spillover violence.

Militants launched two rockets at Al Asad, located in western Iraq, officials said. Iraqi troops, who share the base with the Americans, reported hearing ambulance sirens and alarms.

Two U.S. personnel had to be evacuated for further medical care, but all seven who were injured are in stable condition, said a U.S. defense official, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the incident.