Rockets Fired Near Baghdad Airport Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, causing damage to Iraqi counter-terrorism facilities but no casualties. U.S. officials denied that American military forces were targeted. The incident highlights growing tensions in the Middle East, as investigations continue into the rocket launch and security breach.

Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, according to two Iraqi military officials on Tuesday. However, a U.S. official contested reports that U.S. military forces were the target.

"All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported," said a U.S. defense official, requesting anonymity. This incident underscores the increasing tensions in the Middle East amid speculations of potential retaliation by Iran and Iran-backed groups after significant Israeli offensives against Lebanon's Hezbollah.

An initial investigation revealed that three rockets were fired, one of which damaged buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces but caused no casualties. Earlier claims suggested that rockets were also intercepted by air defenses at a base hosting U.S. forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)