Drone strikes hit Iraqi bases hours after Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire
The attacks appeared to be a strategic effort to cripple Iraq's air defense capabilities. At Al-Taji Military Base north of Baghdad, an unknown drone struck a key 'French radar' system, causing a large explosion and fire. The Security Media Cell later confirmed another drone had crashed near a power generator in the same area, while wreckage from a third was found in the Radwaniyah district west of the capital.
Simultaneously, far to the south in Dhi Qar province, another drone attack targeted and reportedly 'completely destroyed' a radar system at Imam Ali Air Base. Sources noted that this specific radar had successfully shot down a hostile reconnaissance drone just days prior, suggesting the facility may have been a retaliatory target.
The scale of the assault became clear as further reports emerged. An attempted drone attack on the sprawling Ain al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province was successfully intercepted by its defense systems. In a sobering statement, the Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief, Major General Yahya Rasool, confirmed that these were part of a wider operation, revealing that a total of four other attacks on different military sites were also thwarted, with security forces successfully shooting down the incoming drones.
Crucially, Rasool emphasized that all targeted locations are fully Iraqi military sites managed by Iraqi personnel, making this a direct assault on the sovereignty of the Iraqi state. He confirmed that while there was 'significant damage' to the radar systems at Al-Taji and Imam Ali, there were no human casualties.
In response to the 'treacherous criminal acts,' Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, has ordered the formation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the attacks, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. The spokesperson concluded with a firm vow that these attacks 'will not go unpunished.'
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