The U.S. military intercepted multiple aerial drones targeting its troops stationed in Iraq early Wednesday, the Pentagon announced, as U.S. officials are on heightened alert for potential attacks on American forces in the Middle East amid an escalating conflict.
U.S. forces “defended against” three drones in Iraq, where 2,500 American troops are stationed, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. Two were in the west, threatening troops at Al Asad air base, and one was in the north of the country, said a U.S. official, who was granted anonymity to discuss information beyond the official statement.
In western Iraq, the American military engaged two drones, destroying one and damaging the second, resulting in “minor injuries” to forces in the coalition to defeat the Islamic State, which includes both U.S. and partner troops, according to the statement. In northern Iraq, U.S. forces “engaged and destroyed” a third drone, resulting in no injuries or damage.
