Skip to main content

Intel: Pentagon says Iran-backed groups 'likely' behind deadly Iraq attack

Rocket attacks that left one British and two American service members dead in Iraq March 11 were likely the work of Iranian-backed militias, the top US military commander in the Middle East told Congress today.
A truck loaded with Katyusha rockets is seen in Rashidiya, after ten rockets struck the Taji military camp, which house also U.S. forces, north of Baghdad, Iraq in this undated picture obtained March 12, 2020. Iraqi Media Security Cell/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2AIF9WX915

Rocket attacks that left one British and two American service members dead in Iraq March 11 were likely the work of an Iranian-backed Shiite proxy group, the top US military commander in the Middle East told Congress today.

Why it matters:  Wednesday’s attack, which utilized Soviet-era rocket artillery to attack Camp Taji, where coalition troops are based just 17 miles (27 kilometers) north of Baghdad, bore the hallmarks of Iran-backed Khataib Hezbollah, US Central Command chief Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.