(Express) – Iraq’s Balad airbase has been attacked, wounding four Iraqi military personnel today, reports have stated. The base also houses US forces and was apparently struck by eight rockets. The bombs fell within the base’s runway although it has not been confirmed who was behind the attack. In a later statement, VOA News’ Pentagon correspondent, Carla Babb reported: “Balad Airbase targeted with 8 Katyusha rockets, wounding 4 members of the Iraqi Air Force, according to #Iraq official.” Iraq’s military base is located 80km (50 miles) north of Baghdad.
Sky News Arabia reported that there had been “five Katyusha rockets” rather than mortar bombs. The country’s military acknowledged the attack in a statement shortly after the event. Moreover, it is not clear how many US military personnel in the base. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East with the UK’s ambassador to Iran, Rob Macaire being detained in Tehran on Saturday. Mr. Macair had been accused of inflaming anti-government tensions as protestors gathered in the city to condemn the attack on the Ukrainian Airlines flight 752, which killed all 176 people. FULL REPORT
