U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria were hit by drone and missile attacks on Thursday. In addition, the Pentagon reported that a U.S. guided missile destroyer intercepted three missiles launched from Yemen and appeared to be heading to Israel.
In Iraq, two bases were attacked between Thursday and early Friday. In Ain al-Asad, which also hosts international forces, the military had to shelter in place after early warning systems detected a missile strike and the presence of drones. So far no casualties or injuries have been reported among the troops. Furthermore, in the early hours of Friday, a new incident was reported near Baghdad International Airport. The base's defenses managed to intercept one projectile, while a second hit an empty warehouse but did result in any injuries.
A civilian died at a Syrian base from cardiac arrest while sheltering in place from an attack
Troops deployed in southern Syria also reported attacks. As reported at a press conference by the Pentagon Press Secretary, Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder, "the al-Tanf garrison in Syria was targeted by two drones on Oct. 18. U.S. and coalition forces engaged one drone destroying it while the other drone impacted the base resulting in minor injuries to coalition forces. All of the injured returned to duty."
Also in Syria, at the al-Assad base, a U.S. civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering and passed away shortly thereafter," Ryder stated. The base was on alert at the time for a threat of an attack that ultimately did not occur.
Additionally, the Pentagon reported that the crew of the USS Carney, in the Red Sea, intercepted three missiles from Yemen that seemed to be heading towards Israel. In addition, they destroyed several drones that were following the projectiles. "We cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched heading north along the Red Sea potentially towards targets in Israel," the general said.
