American dies of ‘cardiac episode’ after rocket attack on Iraq air base

Rocket strikes resume after Biden authorized retaliation on pro-Iran militia in Syria last week
A picture taken on January 13, 2020 during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows US soldiers clearing rubble at Ain al-Asad military airbase in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. - Iran last week launched a wave of missiles at the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, both hosting US and other foreign troops, in retaliation for the US killing top Iranian general Qasem
US soldiers clear rubble at al-Asad military air base in the western Iraqi province of Anbar on Jan. 13, 2020, during a press tour organized by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State. - AYMAN HENNA/AFP via Getty Images
szuba.jpg
Jared Szuba
@JM_Szuba

An American military contractor died of a “cardiac episode” after taking shelter during a rocket attack on Iraq’s al-Asad air base early Wednesday, the Pentagon has confirmed.

The unidentified civilian is the first US citizen who has died in Iraq’s recurrent rocket attacks since President Joe Biden took office, marking the latest test for the new administration as it seeks rapprochement with Iran.

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