Rocket Attack Injures U.S. Troops in Iraq

At least five U.S. soldiers were injured in a rocket attack on the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq, heightening tensions in the Middle East amid fears of an Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. The attack involved two Katyusha rockets and marks the latest in a series of assaults on the base, which hosts American and coalition forces. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned the incident as a 'dangerous escalation.' Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged all parties to de-escalate and called for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the situation and the U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, including deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group. Diplomatic efforts to calm tensions are ongoing, with the U.S. emphasizing that escalation is not in anyone's interest.