"This base transfer occurred amid force protection concerns sparked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and its proxy militias, which CJTF-OIR said led to an acceleration of the long-term transfer plan."
The latest attack raises concerns of Iran-backed militias orchestrating attacks that could push the U.S. into a broader conflict with Iran — especially as tensions with Iran remain on edge following Tehran’s launch of 16 ballistic missiles targeting coalition troops housed at the al-Asad and Irbil Iraqi bases.
Muqtada al-Sadr, whose Mahdi army led a resistance against American troops following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, also called for restraint and patience.
“One [missile] apparently hit just off the airfield in Irbil and Asad is getting punished. Waves coming in five minute intervals of 4-5 missiles at the airfield."
Trump’s erratic Middle East policy has often left American forces scrambling to react to swift and sudden policy changes. In Syria, coalition forces destroyed equipment, blew vehicles in place and bombed parts of their own outposts.
“In order to conduct this task, Coalition Forces are required to take certain measures to ensure that the movement out of Iraq is conducted in a safe and efficient manner."
Trump’s assertion on Twitter Sunday that he can use social media to inform Congress of future military actions against Iran is likely to cause further tensions between lawmakers and the White House.
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