courtesy: BBC
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Western officials have warned that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could widen up as U.S. forces in the region are facing increasing threats and American bases are repeatedly targeted in Iraq and Syria by drone attacks.
In the western part of Iraq, the Ain al-Asad airbase, which host U.S. and other international forces, was targeted by drones and missiles on Thursday evening, as per the reports by security sources speaking to Reuters news agency. Multiple blasts were heard inside the base.
In order to ensure security, the Iraqi military has closed the areas surrounding the base and started a search operation. It is yet unclear it the blast has caused any damages or casualties.
The assault came after another U.S. military base near Baghdad was hit by rockets on Thursday, as per Iraqi police. Earlier, on Wednesday, the U.S. military forces were targeted in two separate drone attacks, with one causing minor injuries to a small number of troops, despite of them intercepting the armed drone.
The Pentagon has stated that it does not see the link between the rise in the attacks of U.S. military bases and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.