U.S. military says 11 troops injured in Iran missile strike on U.S. base in Iraq on January 8 attack
The U.S. military says 11 service members were wounded in Iran’s January 8 missile attack on Iraq’s al-Asad airbase in retaliation for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general. The injured troops are in hospitals in Germany and Kuwait.
They were “treated for concussion symptoms from the blast and are still being assessed” in Germany and Kuwait, Capt. Bill Uriarte, a spokesperson for U.S/ Central Command, said in a statement sent to reporters, adding that no U.S. service members were killed in the Jan. 8 Iranian attacks on Al Asad Airbase as previously stated.
When deemed fit for duty, the servicemembers are expected to return to Iraq. “The health and welfare of our personnel is a top priority and we will not discuss any individual’s medical status” Col. Myles Caggins, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve was quoted as saying by Defense One.
The news comes as a surprise since U.S. President Donald Trump had said after Iran’s attack in Iraq that no U.S. forces were injured.
“No Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe, and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases,” Trump said soon after the attack.
