In the latest escalation in the Middle East, Iranian-backed militias launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and rockets at US forces in Iraq. The attack targetted the Al-Asad Airbase and left several US personnel being evaluated for “traumatic brain injuries” on January 20. According to a statement from the CENTCOM*, most of the incoming missiles and rockets were intercepted by the air defence systems at the base. Meanwhile, an Iraqi police official told AFP that the base was targeted with “15 rockets”, with 13 of them shot down by US air defences and two falling on the airbase. According to reports, at least one member of the Iraqi security forces suffered injuries during the attack.