Overview
- Iran‑aligned groups have launched repeated rocket and drone strikes on U.S. military and diplomatic sites, including the embassy compound in Baghdad and a base in Erbil.
- A U.S. defense official confirmed American operations inside Iraq targeting Iran‑aligned militias, describing the actions as self‑defense.
- Violence has expanded beyond military targets to oil facilities, an airport, and hotels housing Americans in Erbil, with a U.S. diplomatic and logistics site at Baghdad’s airport hit by drones on Tuesday night.
- Maritime risks rose after explosive‑laden boats reportedly set two fuel tankers ablaze in Iraqi waters, leaving one crew member dead.
- Iraq still hosts roughly 2,500 U.S. troops at a small number of sites, including Victoria Base near Baghdad and Harir Air Base in the Kurdish region, which remain potential targets.