The Pentagon said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about a series of attacks on US&nbsp;personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. 
 
US&nbsp;diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US&nbsp;forces, wounding two American service members. 
 
While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting U.S. troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria - analysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-iraqi-airbase-hosting-us-troops-396570">Also read | Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops</a> 
 
"They are using lethal weaponry. I don't know how you can say anything other than it is a serious threat," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Watch:

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Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after US&nbsp;strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. 
 
Iran denied supporting attacks on US&nbsp;forces in Iraq and Syria and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. 
 
The United States has been holding indirect talks with Iran aimed at bringing both nations back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump. No date has been set for a next round of the talks, which adjourned on June 20.

&nbsp;

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was deeply concerned about a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members. While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting U.S. troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria - analysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias. Also read | Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops "They are using lethal weaponry. I don't know how you can say anything other than it is a serious threat," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. Watch: Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. Iran denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. The United States has been holding indirect talks with Iran aimed at bringing both nations back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump. No date has been set for a next round of the talks, which adjourned on June 20.

Pentagon 'deeply concerned' by recent attacks on personnel in Iraq, Syria

US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks in the past 24 hours, US and Iraq officials said on Wednesday, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members.

While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting US troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria - analysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-iraqi-airbase-hosting-us-troops-396570">Also read | Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops</a> 
 
Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month.

Watch:

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Two people were slightly wounded in the rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, said coalition spokesman US Army Colonel Wayne Marotto. The rockets landed on the base and its perimeter. He said earlier that three people were wounded.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two personnel injured were US service members. One suffered a concussion and the other had minor cuts, one of the officials added.

Two rockets were fired at the US Embassy inside Baghdad's Green Zone early on Thursday, Iraqi security sources told Reuters.

The embassy's anti-rocket system diverted one of the rockets, said one of the sources - a security official whose office is inside the Green Zone. The second rocket fell near the zone's perimeter, security officials said.

Sirens blared from the embassy compound inside the zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, the sources said.

In Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said no damage was done by a drone attack on the Al Omar oil field in an eastern area bordering Iraq where US forces came under rocket fire but escaped injury on June 28.

The Pentagon said a drone had been brought down in eastern Syria and that no US service members had been injured and there had not been any damage.

Iraqi army officials said the pace of recent attacks against bases hosting US forces with rockets and explosive-laden drones was unprecedented.

Iraqi military sources said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a truck was used in Wednesday's attack and was found on nearby farmland set on fire.

On Tuesday, a drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq, targeting a US base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources said.

Three rockets also landed on Ain al-Asad on Monday without causing casualties.

ESCALATION

The United States has been holding indirect talks with Iran aimed at bringing both nations back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump. No date has been set for a next round of the talks, which adjourned on June 20.

Hamdi Malik, an associate fellow at the Washington Institute and a specialist on Iraq's Shi'ite militias, said the attacks were part of a coordinated escalation by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

The attempt to strike in eastern Syria appeared to be the first example of operations being carried out simultaneously in both countries.

"It seems to me they have the green light from Iran to escalate, especially given that the nuclear negotiations are not going well. But at the same time, they do not want to escalate beyond a certain point - they are more vulnerable to US air strikes than they used to be - and they don't want to overcomplicate the negotiations Iran is holding with the West."

The United States told the UN Security Council last week that it targeted Iranian-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with air strikes to deter them and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities.

Iran denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups.

US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks in the past 24 hours, US and Iraq officials said on Wednesday, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members.

US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks in the past 24 hours, US and Iraq officials said on Wednesday, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members. While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting US troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria - analysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias. Also read | Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. Watch: Two people were slightly wounded in the rocket attack on the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, said coalition spokesman US Army Colonel Wayne Marotto. The rockets landed on the base and its perimeter. He said earlier that three people were wounded. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two personnel injured were US service members. One suffered a concussion and the other had minor cuts, one of the officials added. Two rockets were fired at the US Embassy inside Baghdad's Green Zone early on Thursday, Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The embassy's anti-rocket system diverted one of the rockets, said one of the sources - a security official whose office is inside the Green Zone. The second rocket fell near the zone's perimeter, security officials said. Sirens blared from the embassy compound inside the zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, the sources said. In Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said no damage was done by a drone attack on the Al Omar oil field in an eastern area bordering Iraq where US forces came under rocket fire but escaped injury on June 28. The Pentagon said a drone had been brought down in eastern Syria and that no US service members had been injured and there had not been any damage. Iraqi army officials said the pace of recent attacks against bases hosting US forces with rockets and explosive-laden drones was unprecedented. Iraqi military sources said a rocket launcher fixed on the back of a truck was used in Wednesday's attack and was found on nearby farmland set on fire. On Tuesday, a drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq, targeting a US base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources said. Three rockets also landed on Ain al-Asad on Monday without causing casualties. ESCALATION The United States has been holding indirect talks with Iran aimed at bringing both nations back into compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which was abandoned by then-President Donald Trump. No date has been set for a next round of the talks, which adjourned on June 20. Hamdi Malik, an associate fellow at the Washington Institute and a specialist on Iraq's Shi'ite militias, said the attacks were part of a coordinated escalation by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The attempt to strike in eastern Syria appeared to be the first example of operations being carried out simultaneously in both countries. "It seems to me they have the green light from Iran to escalate, especially given that the nuclear negotiations are not going well. But at the same time, they do not want to escalate beyond a certain point - they are more vulnerable to US air strikes than they used to be - and they don't want to overcomplicate the negotiations Iran is holding with the West." The United States told the UN Security Council last week that it targeted Iranian-backed militia in Syria and Iraq with air strikes to deter them and Tehran from conducting or supporting further attacks on US personnel or facilities. Iran denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups.

Series of rocket, drone attacks target US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria

US coalition forces said on Wednesday at least 14 rockets were fired at the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq which hosts American troops.

The attack led to three people suffering minor injuries.

Earlier a drone attack had taken place at Erbil airport close to the American consulate. However, no major injuries were reported. Erbil airport&nbsp;hosts international coalition forces which have been fighting the Islamic State group.

Watch:

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There have been a series of attacks since the beginning of the year against US interests in Iraq with 2,500 American troops deployed as part of the coalition. Reports say at least 40 attacks have taken place against US forces in the region.

On Monday, US forces had shot down an armed drone above its embassy in Baghdad after three rockets were fired at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq.

Last month the Pentagon had said it had conducted "defensive precision airstrikes" against "facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups" on the Iraq-Syria border.

After the strikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said at least five Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters were killed and several wounded.

Iran has however consistently denied it has been responsible for supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US coalition forces said on Wednesday at least 14 rockets were fired at the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq which hosts American troops. The attack led to three people suffering minor injuries.

US coalition forces said on Wednesday at least 14 rockets were fired at the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq which hosts American troops. The attack led to three people suffering minor injuries. Earlier a drone attack had taken place at Erbil airport close to the American consulate. However, no major injuries were reported. Erbil airport hosts international coalition forces which have been fighting the Islamic State group. Watch: There have been a series of attacks since the beginning of the year against US interests in Iraq with 2,500 American troops deployed as part of the coalition. Reports say at least 40 attacks have taken place against US forces in the region. On Monday, US forces had shot down an armed drone above its embassy in Baghdad after three rockets were fired at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq. Last month the Pentagon had said it had conducted "defensive precision airstrikes" against "facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups" on the Iraq-Syria border. After the strikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had said at least five Iran-backed Iraqi militia fighters were killed and several wounded. Iran has however consistently denied it has been responsible for supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria. (With inputs from Agencies)

Rocket attack on Iraqi airbase hosting US troops

It is being called the deadliest attack in three years. Two suicide blasts in central Baghdad killed at least 32. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Twin suicide bombing kills more than 30 in Iraq

Two men blew themselves up in a crowded Baghdad market on Thursday, killing at least 28 people in Iraq's first big suicide bombing for three years, authorities said, describing it as a possible sign of the reactivation of Islamic State.

Fineprint: Suicide attacks in Iraq's Baghdad kill at least 28

A twin suicide bombing killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 30 in a Baghdad market on Thursday, the first such attack in years, security and medical sources said.

Iraq: Death toll from Baghdad twin suicide attack reaches 23

A twin suicide bombing killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 30 in a Baghdad market on Thursday, the first such attack in years, security and medical sources said.

Rare twin suicide attack kills at least 13 in Baghdad

A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said.&nbsp;

"The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-donald-trump-after-us-carried-air-strikes-in-iraq-286169">Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq</a>

At least 33 rockets struck Iraqi air defence units at the airbase, the country's military said, in one of the largest such volleys ever.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-us-strikes-in-iraq-proportionate-response-286170">UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response</a>

Another 24 missiles at a nearby launching site have been found and the owner of the plot of land and security forces from an adjacent checkpoint are detained for questioning, Iraq's military said.&nbsp;

This was the 23rd attack since late October that aim installations across Iraq where American forces and diplomats are present. None of the groups has claimed responsibility for these attacks but the US has blamed hardline elements of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of armed groups.

The US-led coalition said three of its people and two Iraqi soldiers were injured in the latest attack.&nbsp;

The US-led coalition's surveillance capabilities have been affected by cloudy weather in recent days, which a US official said could have motivated the attackers to launch the rockets during the day instead of night.

This attack came three days after a similar attack which killed two American military personnel and a British soldier, the deadliest attack of such nature at an Iraqi base in years.

The US responded on Friday with airstrikes on arms depots, which it said were used by Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-favoured group within the Hashed.&nbsp;

The strikes killed at least five personnel of Iraq's security forces and one civilian, as per the country's military.&nbsp;

Iraq has faced trouble because of the enmity between two of its allies: Iran and the US. And the country started facing a lot of trouble because of this when the tussle between Iran and US spiked in late 2019 when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack in northern Iraq.&nbsp;

The US, in a retaliatory move, killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis which greatly increased the global concerns.&nbsp;

After the death of Soleimani, Iran launched ballistic missiles at US military in Iraq, while Iraqi parliament voted in favour of expelling all foreign armies from its soil, a move that is still not implemented. &nbsp;

Some 5,200 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of US-led coalition to help local forces weed out the remnants of the Islamic State group.

A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said. "The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase.

A number of rockets were fired targetting foreign troops deployed in an Iraqi base north of Baghdad, Iraqi and US security sources said. "The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command on the attack at the Taji airbase. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq At least 33 rockets struck Iraqi air defence units at the airbase, the country's military said, in one of the largest such volleys ever. Also read: UK says US strikes in Iraq 'proportionate' response Another 24 missiles at a nearby launching site have been found and the owner of the plot of land and security forces from an adjacent checkpoint are detained for questioning, Iraq's military said. This was the 23rd attack since late October that aim installations across Iraq where American forces and diplomats are present. None of the groups has claimed responsibility for these attacks but the US has blamed hardline elements of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of armed groups. The US-led coalition said three of its people and two Iraqi soldiers were injured in the latest attack. The US-led coalition's surveillance capabilities have been affected by cloudy weather in recent days, which a US official said could have motivated the attackers to launch the rockets during the day instead of night. This attack came three days after a similar attack which killed two American military personnel and a British soldier, the deadliest attack of such nature at an Iraqi base in years. The US responded on Friday with airstrikes on arms depots, which it said were used by Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-favoured group within the Hashed. The strikes killed at least five personnel of Iraq's security forces and one civilian, as per the country's military. Iraq has faced trouble because of the enmity between two of its allies: Iran and the US. And the country started facing a lot of trouble because of this when the tussle between Iran and US spiked in late 2019 when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack in northern Iraq. The US, in a retaliatory move, killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis which greatly increased the global concerns. After the death of Soleimani, Iran launched ballistic missiles at US military in Iraq, while Iraqi parliament voted in favour of expelling all foreign armies from its soil, a move that is still not implemented. Some 5,200 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of US-led coalition to help local forces weed out the remnants of the Islamic State group.

At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday.&nbsp;

The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad.

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

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Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force.

As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack.

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Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded.

Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight.

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing."

The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement.

At least eight people were killed as rockets hit Baghdad airport on Friday. The Iraqi military said three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," Hashed said in a statement. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard(IRG) Corps' Quds Force. As the attack on the Baghdad airport became public, US President Trump tweeted an image of the US flag amid allegations by PMF that the US was responsible for the attack. pic.twitter.com/VXeKiVzpTf — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020 × Reports say three Katyusha rockets were fired at the airport. According to police and medical sources, at least eight people were killed and nine others wounded. Iraq's military said the airport was hit by rockets post-midnight. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - an organisation of Shia militias in Iraq blamed the United States for the attack describing it as "cowardly US bombing." The attack comes just a day after Hashed supporters pulled out of the US embassy in Baghdad after an airstrike killed several of its fighters.

Rocket attack on Baghdad airport; top Iran commander killed

A US strike killed top Iranian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-attack-on-baghdad-airport-top-iran-commander-killed-271756">commander Qasem Soleimani</a> and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.&nbsp;

"The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement.

The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said.

Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures."

As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag.

The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces.

Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group.

He has been blacklisted by the US.&nbsp;

Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran.&nbsp;

The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced.

A US strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military force at Baghdad's airport early Friday, the Hashed announced. "The deputy head of the Hashed, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and head of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani, were killed in a US strike that targeted their car on the Baghdad International Airport road," the group said in a statement. The international airport was hit in a volley of missiles just after midnight, Iraq's military said. Security sources said the rockets targeted a Hashed convoy and left eight people dead, including "important figures." As the news of the attack became public, Donald Trump tweeted a picture of the US flag. The Hashed is a network of mostly-Shiite armed units, many of whom have very close ties to Tehran, who have been officially incorporated into Iraq's state security forces. Muhandis is the Hashed's deputy chief but is widely recognised as the real shot-caller within the group. He has been blacklisted by the US. Soleimani heads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force and also serves as Iran's pointman on Iraq. On Tuesday, a mob of Hashed supporters surrounded the US embassy in outrage over American air strikes that killed 25 fighters from the network's hardline Kataeb Hezbollah faction, which is backed by Iran. The US had acted in response to a rocket attack days earlier that had killed an American contractor working in Iraq.

Deputy head of group, Iran's Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani killed: Hashed al-Shaabi

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said.

While the coalition did not attribute blame for the incident, it threatens to escalate already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran, which backs various paramilitary groups in Iraq that the United States has accused of being behind rocket attacks on its interests.

"One US civilian contractor was killed and several US service members and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk," the US-led coalition said in a statement.

Federal security forces and Shiite militia units -- as well as Islamic State (IS) group sleeper cells -- all have a presence in volatile Kirkuk province, which is claimed by both Iraq's Kurdish minority and Arab majority.

"Iraqi Security Forces are leading the response and investigation" into the attack, which took place at 7:20 pm (2220 GMT), the coalition said.

A US official with knowledge of the investigation told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least 30 rockets hit the base, including an ammunition depot, causing more explosions, while four more rockets were found in their tubes in a truck at the launch point.

The official described the attack as the biggest in the series of rocket strikes launched against US interests in the country since late October, killing one Iraqi soldier and leaving others wounded, as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone.

A US source has said that pro-Iran factions in Iraq are now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than the IS -- the threat that saw Washington deploy thousands of troops to the country to assist Baghdad in countering the jihadists' sweeping 2014 offensive.

'Take proactive actions'

Five rockets hit Al-Asad airbase on December 3, just four days after US Vice President Mike Pence visited troops there.

More than a dozen rockets hit the Qayyarah airbase in northern Iraq in November, one of the largest attacks in recent months to hit an area where US troops are based.

Multiple US diplomatic and military sources have told AFP of their growing frustration with such attacks.

They say they are relying on their Iraqi partners to play a "de-conflicting" role between American forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi -- an umbrella organization for paramilitary groups that is largely made up of Iran-backed Shiite militias -- to prevent any clashes.

That is a complicated task, as the Hashed has been ordered to integrate with the regular security forces, but many of its fighters continue to operate with some independence.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters earlier this month that he had expressed "concern about the optics in attacks on bases in Iraq where US troops and material might be," in a call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

The US has "a right of self-defence, that we would ask our Iraqi partners to take proactive actions... to get that under control because it's not good for anybody," he said.

Abdel Mahdi's office called on everyone "to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties," warning that "unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation."

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and enacted crippling sanctions.

Baghdad -- which is close to both countries -- is worried about being caught in the middle.

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said.

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said. While the coalition did not attribute blame for the incident, it threatens to escalate already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran, which backs various paramilitary groups in Iraq that the United States has accused of being behind rocket attacks on its interests. "One US civilian contractor was killed and several US service members and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk," the US-led coalition said in a statement. Federal security forces and Shiite militia units -- as well as Islamic State (IS) group sleeper cells -- all have a presence in volatile Kirkuk province, which is claimed by both Iraq's Kurdish minority and Arab majority. "Iraqi Security Forces are leading the response and investigation" into the attack, which took place at 7:20 pm (2220 GMT), the coalition said. A US official with knowledge of the investigation told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least 30 rockets hit the base, including an ammunition depot, causing more explosions, while four more rockets were found in their tubes in a truck at the launch point. The official described the attack as the biggest in the series of rocket strikes launched against US interests in the country since late October, killing one Iraqi soldier and leaving others wounded, as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone. A US source has said that pro-Iran factions in Iraq are now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than the IS -- the threat that saw Washington deploy thousands of troops to the country to assist Baghdad in countering the jihadists' sweeping 2014 offensive. 'Take proactive actions' Five rockets hit Al-Asad airbase on December 3, just four days after US Vice President Mike Pence visited troops there. More than a dozen rockets hit the Qayyarah airbase in northern Iraq in November, one of the largest attacks in recent months to hit an area where US troops are based. Multiple US diplomatic and military sources have told AFP of their growing frustration with such attacks. They say they are relying on their Iraqi partners to play a "de-conflicting" role between American forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi -- an umbrella organization for paramilitary groups that is largely made up of Iran-backed Shiite militias -- to prevent any clashes. That is a complicated task, as the Hashed has been ordered to integrate with the regular security forces, but many of its fighters continue to operate with some independence. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters earlier this month that he had expressed "concern about the optics in attacks on bases in Iraq where US troops and material might be," in a call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. The US has "a right of self-defence, that we would ask our Iraqi partners to take proactive actions... to get that under control because it's not good for anybody," he said. Abdel Mahdi's office called on everyone "to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties," warning that "unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation." Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and enacted crippling sanctions. Baghdad -- which is close to both countries -- is worried about being caught in the middle.

Iraq rocket attack kills US contractor, wounds military personnel

&nbsp;Eight people were killed in two car bombings in the Iraqi city of Falluja west of Baghdad on Sunday, police and hospital sources said, and a news agency close to Islamic State said its militants carried out the attacks.

The bombings took place as Iraqi forces wage an eight-week military campaign to crush Islamic State in its north Iraq stronghold of Mosul, the largest city in its self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

The fact that the jihadist group was able to carry out the attack in Falluja, which the Iraqi army recaptured in June, suggests it will continue to pose a threat in Iraq even if it is finally crushed in Mosul.

The sources said a suicide bomber detonated a car at a security checkpoint in the west of the city, and a second bomb in a parked car struck the centre, near a security checkpoint and a busy cafe.

Sources at the hospital where casualties from both incidents were brought said eight bodies were delivered to the hospital.

The Amaq news agency, which is close to Islamic State, said both attacks were carried out by suicide car bombers.

The attacks in Falluja occurred on the day that U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Iraq for talks with political leaders and the US&nbsp;commander of the international coalition force supporting them in the gruelling Mosul campaign.

Elite Iraqi counter terrorism forces have taken about a quarter of the city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters, but they have faced fierce counter attacks from snipers, mortar barrages and hundreds of suicide car bombs.

Insurgents in Falluja, the first Iraqi city to fall to Islamic State in January 2014, put up only limited resistance in June, military officials said at the time, in contrast to the fierce defence the jihadists have put up in Mosul.

(Reuters)

The attack was carried out by the Islamic State militants, a news agency close to the group said

Eight people were killed in two car bombings in the Iraqi city of Falluja west of Baghdad on Sunday, police and hospital sources said, and a news agency close to Islamic State said its militants carried out the attacks. The bombings took place as Iraqi forces wage an eight-week military campaign to crush Islamic State in its north Iraq stronghold of Mosul, the largest city in its self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria. The fact that the jihadist group was able to carry out the attack in Falluja, which the Iraqi army recaptured in June, suggests it will continue to pose a threat in Iraq even if it is finally crushed in Mosul. The sources said a suicide bomber detonated a car at a security checkpoint in the west of the city, and a second bomb in a parked car struck the centre, near a security checkpoint and a busy cafe. Sources at the hospital where casualties from both incidents were brought said eight bodies were delivered to the hospital. The Amaq news agency, which is close to Islamic State, said both attacks were carried out by suicide car bombers. The attacks in Falluja occurred on the day that U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter visited Iraq for talks with political leaders and the US commander of the international coalition force supporting them in the gruelling Mosul campaign. Elite Iraqi counter terrorism forces have taken about a quarter of the city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters, but they have faced fierce counter attacks from snipers, mortar barrages and hundreds of suicide car bombs. Insurgents in Falluja, the first Iraqi city to fall to Islamic State in January 2014, put up only limited resistance in June, military officials said at the time, in contrast to the fierce defence the jihadists have put up in Mosul. (Reuters)

Eight killed in twin car bombings in Iraq

At least 16 have been killed in a&nbsp;suicide attack by Islamic State militants at a power plant and several government buildings in Iraq&#39;s northern Kirkuk city, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The militants attacked the site of the plant in the early morning&nbsp;hours, Reuters quoted security officials as saying. The power plant was being built by an Iranian company.&nbsp;

Dibis&#39; mayor Abdullah Nureddin al-Salehi told AFP,&nbsp;&quot;three suicide bombers attacked the power plant at around 6:00 am, killing 12 Iraqi administrators and engineers and four Iranian technicians.&quot;

A police lieutenant confirmed the death toll. Security forces confronted the attackers and killed one of the bombers before he detonated his suicide&nbsp;vest. The other two blew themselves up when security forces surrounded them, al-Salehi added.&nbsp;

A few hours before this&nbsp;attack, at around 3:00 am, another group of suicide attackers, also armed with rifles, hit at multiple locations in Kirkuk, including the police&nbsp;headquarters,&nbsp;a Kurdish intelligence officer told AFP.&nbsp;

&quot;The security forces managed to shoot one of them dead, the other three blew themselves up,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack in online statements.&nbsp;

The electricity supply and crude oil production were not targeted and supply continues, Reuters quotes the&nbsp;security&nbsp;sources as saying.&nbsp;

A total curfew has been imposed on the city.&nbsp;

This story will be updated as more&nbsp;information comes to light.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Dibis' mayor said three suicide bombers attacked a power plant, killing 12 Iraqi administrators and engineers, and four Iranian technicians

At least 16 have been killed in a suicide attack by Islamic State militants at a power plant and several government buildings in Iraq's northern Kirkuk city, AFP reported. The militants attacked the site of the plant in the early morning hours, Reuters quoted security officials as saying. The power plant was being built by an Iranian company. Dibis' mayor Abdullah Nureddin al-Salehi told AFP, "three suicide bombers attacked the power plant at around 6:00 am, killing 12 Iraqi administrators and engineers and four Iranian technicians." A police lieutenant confirmed the death toll. Security forces confronted the attackers and killed one of the bombers before he detonated his suicide vest. The other two blew themselves up when security forces surrounded them, al-Salehi added. A few hours before this attack, at around 3:00 am, another group of suicide attackers, also armed with rifles, hit at multiple locations in Kirkuk, including the police headquarters, a Kurdish intelligence officer told AFP. "The security forces managed to shoot one of them dead, the other three blew themselves up," he said. The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack in online statements. The electricity supply and crude oil production were not targeted and supply continues, Reuters quotes the security sources as saying. A total curfew has been imposed on the city. This story will be updated as more information comes to light. (WION with inputs from agencies)

IS suicide attack kills at least 16 in northern Iraq

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