AC-130 Gunship Strikes Militants in Iraq Following First Ballistic Missile Attack on U.S. Positions

In response to a ballistic missile attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq by an Iran-backed militant group, a U.S. military AC-130J Ghostrider swiftly retaliated, targeting militia vehicle and personnel involved in the assault.

The attack, which caused non-serious injuries to U.S. and coalition forces and minor infrastructure damage, prompted the unplanned self-defense strike.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reported that the AC-130 gunship was airborne during the missile assault, allowing for a rapid response. Singh emphasized the effectiveness of the retaliatory strike, resulting in fatalities among the hostile forces.

Singh disclosed that this incident marked the first use of a ballistic missile in the ongoing series of 66 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. While three prior strikes were pre-planned and targeted specific facilities linked to militias affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, this recent response was impromptu.

Addressing the ongoing threat, Singh stated, "These groups have targeted our forces in both Iraq and Syria. We feel right now that we've taken appropriate action to decimate some of their facilities and some of their weapons. We always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing."