SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi forces thwarted an attempted rocket attack on Baghdad airport, a military commander said on Friday.
Baghdad Operations Commander Major General Ahmed Salim Bahjat said the security forces foiled an attempt to target Baghdad International Airport, state news agency (INA) cited him as saying.
In a statement, Iraqi Security Media Cell said the security forces were able to thwart an “attempt to target a military barracks” in west of Baghdad.
The security forces also seized 10 rockets in Jihad neighborhood, the military added. A suspect was also detained.
Meanwhile, U.S.-led Coalition Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto said in a tweet that the Coalition “is committed to working cooperatively w/our Iraqi partners to address rocket/drone threats, which undermine Iraq’s own sovereignty and stability, & threaten the security of Iraqi civilians.”
“Iraq’s leaders have reiterated to us their commitment to protecting #ISF facilities hosting U.S. & Coalition personnel. Each attack against the GoI, KRI and the @Coalition undermines the authority of Iraqi institutions, the rule of law and Iraqi National sovereignty,” he added.
Baghdad airport and military bases housing U.S. troops and contractors intermittently come under rocket and drone attacks, carried out by armed groups.
No groups have claimed responsibility for the attacks, but armed groups that some Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran have claimed similar incidents.
U.S. officials blame Iran-backed militias for regular rocket attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq, including near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
