American MQ-9 Reaper Drone Shot Down Over Iraq

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) flying over the Nevada Test and Training Range on January 14, 2020 (Photo: AFP)  

Trend News Line: American MQ-9 Reaper drone shot down near Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, Iraq  

American MQ-9 Reaper drone shot down near Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, Iraq 

In a recent incident that has sparked concern and raised questions about regional tensions, an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down near the town of Migdadiyah in Diyala Province, located in eastern Iraq. The downing of the drone, which occurred on January 18th, has prompted investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.  

The Drone Shot Down: What We Know So Far 

According to reports, an MQ-9 Reaper drone, a remotely piloted aircraft used by the United States military for various purposes, was targeted and brought down in Diyala Province. The specific details of the incident, including who was responsible for shooting down the drone, are yet to be confirmed.  

Read more ....  

Update: Pentagon official confirms US drone crashed near Diyala (K24)  

WNU Editor: The Pentagon is confirming the loss of a drone in Iraq, but not that it was shot down.

US Kills Top Iranian-Backed Militia Commander At His HQ In Baghdad

 

Reuters: U.S. strike kills militia leader blamed for Iraq attacks - U.S. official 

BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military carried out a retaliatory strike in Baghdad on Thursday that killed a militia leader it blames for recent attacks on U.S. personnel, a U.S. official told Reuters. 

Iraqi police sources and witnesses said a drone fired at least two rockets in eastern Baghdad at a facility used by the Iraqi militia group al-Nujaba'a. 

Police and militia sources said the rockets hit a vehicle inside the Nujaba'a headquarters and killed four people, including a local group commander and one of his aides. Health sources confirmed the death toll.  

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WNU Editor: The Iraqi government has responded .... Iraq Condemns U.S. After Drone Strike in Baghdad (DNYUZ/New York Times). 

US Kills Top Iranian-Backed Militia Commander At His HQ In Baghdad 

US kills Iraqi militia leader in drone strike on Baghdad: Pentagon slays commander it blames for attacks against American troops -- Daily Mail  

US carries out strike targeting Iraqi militia leader in Baghdad: official -- FOX News  

US targeted member of Iranian proxy group in Iraq strike, US official says -- CNN  

US strike kills Iran-backed militia leader in Baghdad as regional tensions rise -- The Guardian  

US says strike kills pro-Iran militia commander at its HQ in Baghdad -- Times of Israel

Iraq: Drone strike in Baghdad kills top Iran-backed militia official -- Middle East Eye

Iraq's Government Condemns U.S Strike On Pro-Iran Forces

 

Reuters: Baghdad condemns U.S strike on Iraqi military positions 

Iraq's government on Tuesday condemned overnight U.S. air strikes on Iraqi military positions that it said killed one serviceman and wounded 18 people, calling them a "clear hostile act". 

The United States carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a one-way drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants that left one U.S. service member in critical condition and wounded two others.

The government condemned the U.S. strikes as "an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty" while stressing that attacks by armed groups against military bases hosting U.S-led coalition advisers are hostile acts and violate Iraqi sovereignty, a government statement said.

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Update #1: Iraq Objects to US Strikes That Killed 1, Wounded 18 (VOA)  

Update #2: Iraq slams US after deadly strikes on pro-Iran forces (France 24)  

WNU Editor: This is DOA .... Matt Gaetz Calls for US Withdrawal From Iraq After Drone Attack (Newsweek).

US President Biden Orders Strike On Iranian-Aligned Group After 3 US Troops Injured In Drone Attack In Iraq

President Joe Biden answers a reporter's question as he walks from Marine One upon arrival on the South Lawn of the White House, Dec. 20, 2023, in Washington. Biden ordered retaliatory strikes Monday, Dec. 25, against Iranian-backed militia groups after three U.S. servicemembers were injured in a drone attack in Northern Iraq. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)  

The Hill: Biden orders strikes on Iranian group in Iraq after 3 US service members wounded 

President Biden ordered strikes on three locations in Iraq after three U.S. service members were wounded, one critically, in an attack early Christmas morning credited to a militia group backed by Iran. 

In a statement Monday, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Biden directed the strikes against three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, which claimed credit for the initial attack against U.S. personnel. 

The groups, the U.S. said, are all connected to Iran. 

The attack was carried out by a one-way attack drone, according to the statement, which said the three locations were “focused specifically on unmanned aerial drone activities.” 

The statement said Biden ordered the retaliatory strikes after learning of the attack that wounded the U.S. service members.  

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US President Biden Orders Strike On Iranian-Aligned Group After 3 US Troops Injured In Drone Attack In Iraq  

Biden Orders Strike on Iranian-Aligned Group After 3 US Troops Injured in Drone Attack in Iraq -- AP  

U.S. retaliates in Iraq after three U.S. troops wounded in attack -- CNBC/Reuters  

New drone attack targets US troops in Iraq -- France 24  

3 American service-members wounded in Iraq -- Politico  

Three U.S. service members injured in Kataib Hezbollah terrorist attack, Biden launches strikes -- FOX News  

US retaliates in Iraq after three US troops wounded in drone attack by Iran-aligned militants -- NYPost

U.S. Embassy In Baghdad Struck By Rockets In Early Morning Attack

 

FOX News: US embassy in Baghdad struck by mortar fire in early morning attack  

The U.S. military says a total of 78 attacks have been carried out against U.S. facilities over the past weeks: 37 were in Iraq and 41 in Syria 

The U.S. embassy in Baghdad was attacked by mortar fire on Friday morning that caused minor material damage but no casualties, U.S. and Iraqi officials said. 

Explosions were heard near the embassy in the capital city of Iraq at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Friday. An embassy spokesperson then confirmed the U.S. Embassy was attacked, adding: "Assessments are ongoing, but there are no reported casualties on the Embassy compound." 

The attack was confirmed by a U.S. military official who said the attack was launched at U.S. and Coalition forces in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses Iraqi government buildings and embassies. 

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WNU editor: No casualties have been reported .... US embassy in Baghdad attacked with rockets, no casualties (Arab News/Reuters). 

 U.S. Embassy In Baghdad Struck By Rockets In Early Morning Attack  

A rocket attack targets the US Embassy in Baghdad, causing minor damage but no casualties -- AP  

Rockets fired at the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone -- France 24  

US Embassy in Baghdad targeted in rocket attack -- The Hill 

Rockets fired towards US embassy in Iraqi capital’s Green Zone -- Al Jazeera

Pentagon Says Several U.S. Service Members Injured In Missile Attack At Al-Asad Airbase In Iraq (Update)

 

CBS News: Several U.S. service members injured in missile attack at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, Pentagon says 

Several U.S. service members were injured in a ballistic missile attack by Iranian-backed militias on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, Pentagon officials said Tuesday. The attack Monday night on U.S. and coalition forces involved a close-range ballistic missile and resulted in eight injuries and minor infrastructural damage, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, said in a statement. 

U.S. military responded with a retaliatory strike, which was not pre-planned, killing several Iranian-backed militia personnel, CBS News learned. 

"Immediately following the attack, a U.S. military AC-130 aircraft in the area conducted a self-defense strike against an Iranian-backed militia vehicle and a number of Iranian-backed militia personnel involved in this attack," Ryder said in his statement.  

Read more .... 

Pentagon Says Several U.S. Service Members Injured In Missile Attack At Al-Asad Airbase In Iraq 

U.S. forces carry out series of strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq -- Reuters  

US fires on and kills hostile forces, launches precision airstrikes after attack in Iraq -- CNN  

U.S. fires on key Iranian-backed sites in Syria -- UPI 

Iran-Linked Fighters Killed by US AC-130 Gunship After Attack on Base with Ballistic Missiles -- Military.com 

US fighter jets strike Iran-backed targets in Iraq after repeated attacks on US bases -- Times of Israel 

Iraq slams US strikes that killed eight pro-Iran fighters -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Launches Attack Against Iranian-Backed Militia After Attack On U.S. Forces At Iraq Air Base

 

CNN: US fires on and kills hostile forces after attack in Iraq, US official says 

A US military aircraft fired on a vehicle and killed hostile forces following an attack on US and coalition forces at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq on Monday evening, a US official told CNN on Tuesday. 

It’s unclear how many hostiles were killed and whether US personnel were injured in the attack on Al-Asad. 

Two US officials said the US AC-130 gunship, which is capable of firing artillery at ground-based targets, was acting in defense. 

As of Monday afternoon, there had been at least 64 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, including several on forces at Al-Asad. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US has deployed gunships to retailiate .... AC-130 Ghostrider Gunship Strikes Iranian-Backed Militia In Iraq (The War Zone). More here .... AC-130 destroys truck US says launched rocket attack in Iraq (Task & Purpose). 

U.S. Launches Attack Against Iranian-Backed Militia After Attack On U.S. Forces At Iraq Air Base  

US forces attacked at Iraq airbase, respond in self-defence -US officials -- Reuters  

US retaliates against Iran-backed militants after ballistic missile strike, officials say -- ABC News  

Iran-backed militia hits US forces at Iraq air base, injuring 8, prompting retaliation -- FOX News  

US forces respond after attack at Iraq base, officials say -- The Hill  

US Force Attacked at Iraq Air Base, Responds by Hitting Iranian-Backed Proxies -- VOA

Drone Attacks On American Bases In Syria And Iraq Have Injured Two Dozen U.S. Military Personnel

 

NBC: Drone attacks on American bases injured two dozen U.S. military personnel  

The groups conducting the attacks are supported by Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Pentagon spokesman said. 

Two dozen American military personnel were wounded last week in a series of drone attacks at American bases in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command told NBC News on Tuesday. 

The Pentagon confirmed the attacks last week, but the number of U.S. casualties has not been previously disclosed. 

Twenty American personnel sustained minor injuries on Oct. 18 when at least two one-way attack drones targeted al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, CENTCOM said. 

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WNU Editor: Iranian backed militias are taking credit for these attacks .... Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim responsibility for attack on US military base in Syria (FOX News). 

Drone Attacks On American Bases In Syria And Iraq Have Injured Two Dozen U.S. Military Personnel 

 24 U.S. troops injured in attacks since Gaza war began, officials say -- Washington Post  

US Forces in Iraq, Syria Targeted 13 Times in Past Week -- VOA 

US troops in Iraq, Syria attacked 13 times in past week, Pentagon says -- The Hill 

Pentagon Belatedly Reveals Two Dozen US Personnel Were Wounded In Spate Of Drone Attacks In Iraq, Syria -- Zero Hedge

U.S. Military Says It Shot Down Drones That Were Headed Towards Its Troops In Iraq

 

Reuters: US says it thwarted drone attacks on troops in Iraq 

TEL AVIV/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) -The U.S. military thwarted an attack targeting its forces in Iraq early on Wednesday, intercepting two drones before they could strike, two U.S. officials said after the first such attack on U.S. forces in Iraq in more than a year. 

The officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, declined to say who was suspected of the attack on the al-Asad air base. But Washington is on heightened alert for activity by Iran-backed groups amid soaring tension in the region over the Israel-Hamas war.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Expect more attacks in the future.

U.S. Military Says It Shot Down Drones That Were Headed Towards Its Troops In Iraq  

U.S. military shoots down drones headed toward troops in Iraq -- Politico 

US shoots down two one-way attack drones targeting US forces in Iraq, US defense official says -- CNN  

US military intercepts 2 attack drones targeting Iraq air base where American troops are located -- FOX News  

US army foils attempted drone strike on Ain Al-Asad base in Iraq -- The Cradle

U.S. Defense Secretary Makes A Surprise Visit To Iraq

 

CNN: US defense secretary makes unannounced trip to Iraq  

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said US troops are “ready to remain in Iraq” in his remarks during an unannounced trip to Baghdad on Tuesday, according to the US press pool traveling with him.

Austin, the highest-ranking Cabinet official to visit the country since the start of the Biden administration, according to the press pool, said in a statement that he is in Iraq to “reaffirm the US-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable and sovereign Iraq.” 

The visit comes days before the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein from power.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It looks like US soldiers are going to stay in Iraq for the foreseeable future.... Pentagon chief, on surprise trip, says US troops to stay in Iraq (Al Jazeera).  

Update: The U.S. Defense Secretary has just arrived in Egypt .... US defense chief: Egypt ties an 'essential pillar' in region (AP). 

U.S. Defense Secretary Makes A Surprise Visit To Iraq  

Pentagon chief, in unannounced visit to Iraq, pledges continued U.S. troop presence -- Reuters  

Pentagon chief in Iraq says US wants to 'strengthen' ties -- AFP  

Austin makes surprise trip to Baghdad -- Politico  

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes unannounced visit to Iraq -- FOX News  

US defense chief Austin in Iraq before 20th war anniversary -- DW  

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin talks troop presence in surprise Iraq visit -- Al-Monitor

US Forces Shoot Down Armed Drone Over Coalition Airbase In Iraq

The base (pictured), which hosts both Iraqi and US armed forces, is located in the desert in the western Anbar province  

Daily Mail: US forces shoot down armed drone over coalition airbase in Iraq a day after four Americans were injured in air strike in Syria 'carried out by Iran-backed militias' 

* It was shot down by defence systems at Ain al-Asad Air Base at 1.46am on Friday 

* The base, which hosts coalition forces, is located in the western Anbar province 

* No casualties or damage were reported and the incident is under investigation

US forces fighting the Islamic State group have shot down an armed drone that targeted a coalition airbase in Iraq. 

The unmanned aerial system, reportedly made of carbon fibre, was intercepted by US air defence systems at Ain al-Asad Air Base at 1.46am on Friday. 

The base, which hosts both Iraqi and US armed forces, is located in the desert in the western Anbar province. No casualties or damage were reported and the incident is under investigation.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Coalition thwarts drone attack on US base in Iraq (RUDAW)  

Update #2: Forces at Iraqi Base Hosting U.S. Troops Shoot Down Drone (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Iranian media is saying that some coalition soldiers were injured .... Four troops injured as drones, rockets hit US-run bases in Iraq, Syria (PressTV).

The U.S. Invaded Iraq 19 Years Ago This Weekend

A U.S. soldier watches as a statue of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein falls in central Baghdad on April 9th, 2003. Goran Tomasevic/Reuters  

Antiwar.com: CENTCOM: US Troops Will Likely Be in Iraq for Years to Come 

This weekend marks the 19th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq On the eve of the 19th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, the head of Central Command told Military Times that the US troop presence in the country will likely continue for years to come. 

The US invasion of Iraq started with airstrikes on March 19, 2003, and ground troops entered the country the following day. The initial “shock and awe” phase of the invasion lasted about six weeks and killed tens of thousands. According to the Iraq Body Count, about 7,400 Iraqi civilians were killed in this period.  

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WNU Editor: It looks like the US military presence in Iraq is not going to leave anytime soon .... U.S. troops will likely be in Iraq for years to come, Central Command boss says (Military Times).

U.S. Embassy In Iraq Targeted By 4 Rockets

… that these sorts of reprehensible attacks are an assault not just on diplomatic facilities, but on the sovereignty of Iraq itself. 2/2

— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) January 13, 2022

The Hill: US Embassy in Baghdad says it was attacked 

The US Embassy in Baghdad said Thursday that it was attacked by terrorist groups, the latest amid a series of attacks targeting US personnel in Iraq and Syria. 

“The U.S. Embassy compound was attacked this evening by terrorist groups attempting to undermine Iraq’s security, sovereignty and international relations,” the Embassy said on Twitter. 

“We have long said that these sorts of reprehensible attacks are an assault not just on diplomatic facilities, but on the sovereignty of Iraq itself.” The statement didn’t provide further details on what transpired.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Iraqi officials: 4 rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad (ABC News/AP)  

Update #2: Rockets targeting US embassy injure two (VIDEOS) (RT)  

WNU Editor: Iranian-backed militias are the prime suspects behind this attack.

Two Drone Attacks In 24 Hours Target US forces In Iraq

Daily Mail: Two explosive-laden drones are shot down over US base in Iraq - a day after similar devices with 'Soleimani's revenge' written on their wings were intercepted over Baghdad 

* It is the second attack this week as Iran marks anniversary of Soleimani's death 

* On Monday, two armed drones were shot down en-route to US housing facility 

* No group claimed responsibility for the Monday attack, although one of the wings of the drones had the words 'Soleimani's revenge' painted on it 

Two explosive-laden drones heading for a base housing US troops in Iraq have been shot down - a day after similar devices with 'Soleimani's revenge' written on their wings were intercepted over Baghdad. 

The drones were shot down on Tuesday by Iraq's air defenses as they approached the Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts U.S. forces, west of Baghdad. 

It is the second such attempted attack coinciding with the anniversary of the 2020 Trump-ordered US air strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani near Baghdad airport.  

Read more .... 

 Two Drone Attacks In 24 Hours Target US forces In Iraq  

Second drone strike in two days attempted on U.S.-led coalition in Iraq: report -- Navy Times  

For 2nd time in as many days, armed drones shot down in attack on US troops in Iraq -- Times of Israel 

Second drone strike in two days attempted on U.S.-led coalition in Iraq: report -- Military Times  

Second drone attack on US forces foiled in Iraq -- The Hill  

US stops SECOND armed drone attack on its forces in Iraq after Iran vows revenge for Soleimani killing -- The SUN 

Iraq: Two explosive-laden drones shot down in attempted attack on US base -- SKY News  

Drone attack on Iraq base foiled, 2nd one in 24 hours: Coalition -- Al Jazeera  

Two drone attacks in 24 hours target US forces in Iraq - analysis -- Jerusalem Post

US Officially Ends Combat Operations In Iraq , But 2,500 Troops Wll Remain In Iraq For The Foreseeable Future

 

Daily Mail: Top general says the US will keep 2,500 troops in Iraq for the foreseeable future: Frank McKenzie expects increasing attacks on personnel by Iranian-backed militias 

* Gen. Frank McKenzie revealed the US will keep the current 2,500 troops in Iraq 

* Despite the shift by U.S. forces to a non-combat role in Iraq, they will still provide air support and other military aid for Iraq's fight against the Islamic State 

* He said an ongoing uptick in violence may continue through December, noting that Iranian-backed militias want all Western forces out of Iraq 

The top U.S. commander for the Middle East has said the United States will keep the current 2,500 troops in Iraq for the foreseeable future, and he warned that he expects increasing attacks on U.S. and Iraqi personnel by Iranian-backed militias determined to get American forces out. 

Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie said in an interview with The Associated Press Thursday at the Pentagon that despite the shift by U.S. forces to a non-combat role in Iraq, they will still provide air support and other military aid for Iraq's fight against the Islamic State.  

Read more .... 

 US Officially Ends Combat Operations In Iraq , But 2,500 Troops Wll Remain In Iraq For The Foreseeable Future  

The AP Interview: General says US troops to remain in Iraq -- AP  

General says US troops to remain in Iraq -- Military Times/AP  

US ends combat mission against ISIS in Iraq, but troops remain -- The Hill  

The Combat Mission in Iraq Has Ended. But Troops Aren’t Coming Home -- Defense One  

US Officially Ends Combat Operations in Iraq -- VOA  

US-led combat mission in Iraq ends, shifting to advisory role -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Official Says Iraq Is Not Afghanistan. U.S. Are Staying For The Long Term

The US military has reduced its numbers in Iraq, with many personnel who remain classed as advisers and trainers. Reuters  

The National: US: Iraq is not Afghanistan and we are here to stay, says top official 

America has about 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq, guarding the US embassy and training Iraqi personnel 

The US will not leave Iraq as it did in Afghanistan, a top official from Washington said on Wednesday, amid fears that an American withdrawal would bring chaos to the country. 

In August, American troops in Afghanistan returned home, nearly 20 years after Washington spearheaded a multinational invasion of the country. 

The move allowed the Taliban to seize most of the country and sweep into the capital Kabul following the Afghan government’s fall. 

“Iraq is not Afghanistan, we are here in the long term, we view Iraq as a key strategic partner and we are committed to this partnership,” Jennifer Gavito, the deputy assistant secretary of state for Iran and Iraq, said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It's all about the oil.

U.S. President Biden Says America's Combat Mission In Iraq Will End Later This Year

 

Axios: Biden: U.S. combat mission in Iraq will be completed 'by the end of the year' 

The United States' combat mission against the Islamic State in Iraq will be completed "by the end of the year," President Biden said Monday prior to a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.  

Why it matters: Biden is close to shifting the U.S. military mission in Iraq to a fully advisory role more than 18 years after combat troops were sent to the country under the former President George W. Bush.  

What they're saying: U.S. troops would "be available, to continue to train, to assist, to help, and to deal with ISIS as it...arrives. But we’re not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission," Biden told reporters before the meeting. He did not offer a formal end date to the conflict mission, which commenced more than seven years ago.  

WNU Editor: I've heard this story before. In the meantime U.S. troops will still remain in Syrtia .... Troops to stay put in Syria even as Biden seeks to end America’s ‘forever wars’ (Politico). 

 

More News On U.S. President Biden Saying America's Combat Mission In Iraq Will End Later This Year  

US Ending Combat Role in Iraq by End of Year -- Military.com  

Joe Biden says U.S. combat mission in Iraq will end later this year -- UPI  

US concludes combat mission in Iraq as Biden meets with Iraqi prime minister -- ABC News  

US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says -- DeFense One  

Biden says US ‘combat mission’ in Iraq will be over by year’s end, but won’t say how many troops to remain deployed -- RT  

US combat forces to leave Iraq by end of year, Biden says -- Al Jazeera 

Biden and Iraqi prime minister discuss "new phase" of U.S. military mission -- CBS  

Biden Declares All US Combat Troops To Leave Iraq By End Of 2021 -- Zero Hedge

U.S. And Iraq Have Reach An Agreement That Combat Troops Should Leave By The End Of 2021

This handout picture released by the US Army shows US Army Paratroopers at Pope Army Airfield in North Carolina, Jan. 1, 2020. Paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division were activated and deployed to the US Central Command area of operations in Iraq. - Robyn Haake/US ARMY/AFP  

Al-Monitor: Intel: US to announce agreement to pull 'combat troops' from Iraq 

Security will be at top of agenda for US-Iraq Strategic Dialogue today, and when US President Joe Biden hosts Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on July 26 US and Iraqi officials are preparing a statement that will likely mention a time frame for the withdrawal of American “combat troops” from Iraq by the end of the year, a US official confirmed. 

The announcement is expected to be released following Kadhimi’s meeting with President Joe Biden on Monday, The Wall Street Journal first reported Thursday. 

Read more .... 

More News On The U.S. And Iraq Reaching An Agreement That Combat Troops Should Leave By The End Of 2021  

U.S., Iraqi officials to announce U.S. military shift to advisory role in Iraq by year’s end -- Politico  

Iraq Expects Announcement to End US Combat Mission -- VOA  

U.S. set to formalize readjustment of troop role in Iraq -officials -- Reuters  

U.S., Iraq to Agree That Combat Troops Should Leave by End of 2021 -- WSJ  

US, Iraq to Agree American Troop Withdrawal Should Be Complete by End of 2021 - Report -- Sputnik

Another Day Another Rocket Attack On An Iraqi Airbase Housing U.S. Troops. U.S. Base In Syria Also Attacked

An aerial photo of the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq [File: Nasser Nasser/AP Photo]  

FOX News/AP: Iraq, Syria bases housing US troops attacked, 3 injured 

It was unclear whether those injured were American 

BAGHDAD – U.S.-backed Syrian fighters and American troops foiled an attack with drones Wednesday on a base housing members of the U.S.-led coalition in eastern Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces said. 

In neighboring Iraq rockets hit a base housing U.S. troops, inflicting three minor injuries. 

The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Wayne Marotto said that at around 12:30 p.m. Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq was attacked by 14 rockets that landed on the base and perimeter. 

He said that Force Protection defensive measures were activated, adding that "at this time initial reports indicate 3 minor injuries. Damage is being assessed."  

Read more .... 

More News On Iraq, Syria Bases Housing US Troops Attacked  

Bases housing US troops in Iraq, Syria attacked, 2 injured -- ABC News/AP  

For third straight day, US forces attacked in Syria, Iraq - analysis -- Jerusalem Post  

US bases in Iraq and Syria targeted in militia rocket and drone attacks -- The Independent  

Two injured in rocket attacks on Iraqi airbase housing US troops -- CNN  

Rockets hit Iraq base housing U.S. forces, two people sustain minor injuries -- CNBC  

Five Attacks In Less Than 72 Hours: Injuries Reported After 14 Rockets Hit US Base In Iraq -- Zero Hedge  

Pro-Iran militias increase attacks, rhetoric against foreign troops -- Al-Monitor

US Forces Shoot Down Armed Drone Over Baghdad Embassy. Iraqi Airbase With U.S. Troops Also Targeted

More video of C-RAM activated over Baghdad tonight in response to another attack on U.S. forces. #Iraq pic.twitter.com/Hm4LPlAhM7

— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) July 5, 2021

France 24: US forces shoot down armed drone near US embassy in Baghdad 

US forces shot down an armed drone above their embassy in Baghdad on Monday night, Iraqi security officials said, hours after a rocket attack on a base housing US soldiers in the west of the country. 

American defence systems fired rockets into the air in Baghdad, according to AFP reporters, with Iraqi security sources saying the salvos took out a drone that was laden with explosives. 

Since the start of the year, 47 attacks have targeted US interests in the country, where 2,500 American troops are deployed as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group. 

Six of them involved these kinds of drones, a tactic that poses a headache for the coalition as the aircraft can evade air defences.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It is not hard to figure out who is responsible for launching these attacks against US targets in Iraq .... Iraqi militia commander vows to avenge deaths in US strike (Canadian Press). Below is a list of drone & rocket attacks on US bases in Iraq & Syria since June:

Drone & rocket attacks on US bases in Iraq & Syria since June:
•6 June, Al assad
•9 June, Baghdad Airport
•10 June, Balad airbase
•15 June, Baghdad Airport
•20 June, Al Assad
•27 June, Erbil
•28 June, Omar Oil field, Syria
•5 July, Al Assad
•6 July, Union III, US Embassy

— Nafiseh Kohnavard (@nafisehkBBC) July 6, 2021

More News On US Installations Under Attack In Iraq  

Two attacks, less than 12 hours apart, target US forces in Iraq -- Jerusalem Post 

Rockets Target U.S. Troops As Iraqi Militia Leader Vows Revenge -- OilPrice.com  

Drone attacks Erbil airport in northern Iraq with explosives aimed at the U.S. base on the airport -- Daily Mail  

UNDER ATTACK Rockets hit Iraq base housing US troops as tensions flare after Biden launched airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias -- The SUN  

Armed drone intercepted near US Embassy in Baghdad after rockets hit base housing American troops (PHOTOS, VIDEOS) -- RT 

Iraq: US forces destroy explosive-laden drone flying over Baghdad embassy -- Middle East Eye  

US Forces Shoot Down Armed Drone Over Baghdad Embassy As Attacks Grow -- Zero Hedge