Baghdad, June 24: A drone strike targeted the Taji military base in Iraq, located north of Baghdad, on Monday, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. According to Anadolu Agency, which cited Iraq’s official news agency INA, the drone hit a location within the base, but no casualties were reported.
Lieutenant General Walid al-Tamimi confirmed the attack and stated that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
“An unidentified drone struck a section of the Taji military base. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded. More details will follow,” al-Tamimi said.
Radar System Reportedly Targeted
Local media outlets claimed that the target of the drone strike was a French-made radar system stationed at the base. The Taji base, previously a stronghold for the US-led international coalition, was handed over to the Iraqi military in 2020.
Context: Regional Conflict and Escalation
The drone attack comes in the wake of Iran’s missile offensive targeting US military installations in both Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Gulf.
The Iranian strikes were launched in response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—under Operation Midnight Hammer.
According to CNN, US defense officials are tracking multiple missile launches from Iran. US personnel in Qatar and Bahrain have reportedly been ordered into “duck and cover” positions, as the situation remains volatile.
Iran’s state television has referred to the coordinated strikes on US regional assets as ‘Operation Basharat al-Fath’, translating to “Good News of Victory.”
Airspace Closures and Diplomatic Advisories
The rising hostilities also led to the temporary shutdown of Qatar’s airspace, as confirmed by its foreign ministry. The US Embassy in Doha has issued shelter-in-place warnings to American citizens, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.