Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles targeted at U.S. military and coalition forces based in Iraq at around 5:30 p.m. (EST), the Pentagon announced Tuesday.
“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil,” Jonathan Hoffman, assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, said in a Tuesday statement.
The Pentagon has not reported any U.S. casualties but said an initial assessment of battle damage is underway.
Iran state-run media has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region,” Hoffman said in the statement.
The attacks against U.S. and coalition forces follow the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Iraq last week. Iran vowed revenge after the drone strike.
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said President Donald Trump is in talks with his national security team.
Trump tweeted that an assessment of casualties is underway and he will make a statement Wednesday morning.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
