U.S. military shoots down drones headed toward troops in Iraq

The U.S. military intercepted an aerial drone strike targeting its troops stationed in Iraq early Wednesday, a U.S. official said, as U.S. officials are on heightened alert for potential attacks on American forces in the Middle East amid an escalating conflict.

U.S. forces shot down two drones aiming to strike the Al Asad air base in Iraq, where hundreds of American troops are stationed, said the U.S. official, who was granted anonymity to speak ahead of an announcement.

No Americans were injured in the incident, the first such attack on U.S. positions in Iraq in least nine months, said the U.S. official. The official declined to say who was responsible for the attack.

The failed attack comes as Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday to show support after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on the country this month, a conflict that has escalated into an all-out war.

On Tuesday, a strike on a Gaza hospital killed more than 500 people. Both sides quickly traded blame for the attack, with Israeli officials saying the Islamic Jihad group was responsible.

Biden waded into the fray on Wednesday in Tel Aviv. He said the attack appeared to have been caused not by Israel but by “the other team,” citing information from his Defense Department.

As the conflict escalates, U.S. officials have been on heightened alert for potential attacks on American and partner forces in the Middle East. Over the years, various Iranian proxies have periodically attempted to strike U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria, and U.S. officials are concerned the groups could seize on the instability in the region to launch new attacks.

Reuters first reported the news of the drone attack.