US Denies Its Army Targeted Rockets Near Baghdad Airport

JAKARTA - Several Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, Iraq. But US officials denied reports of US military forces being targeted in the incident.

"All military personnel have been taken into account and military forces are not as targeted as reported," US defense officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, Tuesday, October 1.

The incident is a reminder of rising tensions in the Middle East, as speculation develops over whether Iran and Iran-backed groups will take advantage of the threat of retaliation following a series of large Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.

Two Iraqi security sources said preliminary investigations showed three rockets were fired, including one that landed near buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, causing damage and fire to several vehicles but no casualties.

The source previously said two Katyusha rockets were also fired at a military base housing US troops. Air defenses managed to intercept the rocket.

But US officials say Washington is aware of reports of attacks on Baghdad's Diplomatic support complex, which is a State Department facility.

"For details regarding the incident we refer you to the State Department," the official said.

The US State Department is currently recording damage caused by the attack.

The Iraqi prime minister has ordered an immediate investigation into security breaches following the rocket attack, said Iraqi military spokesman Prime Minister and armed forces commander Mohammed al-Sudani.

Rocket launches were seized in a residential area in western Baghdad near the airport and three rockets that were not fired were dismantled, security sources said.