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.
The Wednesday incidents marked the first such attack on U.S. positions in Iraq in least nine months. The official declined to say who was responsible for the attack.
The failed attack comes as Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday to show support after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on the country this month, a conflict that has escalated into an all-out war.
"In this moment of heightened alert, we are vigilantly monitoring the situation in Iraq and the region," according to the statement. "U.S. forces will defend U.S. and Coalition forces against any threat."
On Tuesday, a strike on a Gaza hospital killed more than 500 people. Both sides quickly traded blame for the attack, with Israeli officials saying the Islamic Jihad group was responsible.
Biden waded into the fray on Wednesday in Tel Aviv. He said the attack appeared to have been caused not by Israel but by “the other team,” citing information from his Defense Department.
As the conflict escalates, U.S. officials have been on heightened alert for potential attacks on American and partner forces in the Middle East. Over the years, various Iranian proxies have periodically attempted to strike U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria, and U.S. officials are concerned the groups could seize on the instability in the region to launch new attacks.
Reuters first reported the news of the drone attack.