Pentagon: Drone Attack on US Troops in Iraq Unsuccessful

The Pentagon announced on Thursday that a drone attack earlier in the day "was unsuccessful" and resulted in "no casualties," according to a spokesperson.

Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters: "We are aware of an attack today against U.S. forces at Erbil airbase in Iraq that was unsuccessful. No casualties, some minor damage to infrastructure."

"We know that these are Iranian-backed militia groups that are supported by Iran and of course we hold Iran responsible for these groups," he added.

Defense Department officials have reported multiple drone attacks thought to be carried out by Iraqi militia groups against US forces stationed in Iraq. At least 21 serve members have suffered "minor injuries" due to drone and rocket attacks in both Iraq and Syria since the attacks began on October 17.

"Between October 17 and 18, Eastern Time, 21 US personnel received minor injuries due to drone attacks at al-Asad air base in Iraq and at Tanf garrison in Syria," Ryder said.

"At Tanf garrison, during these two days, there were 17 US personnel who sustained minor injuries, 15 of whom were diagnosed with TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury. At al-Asad air base, four personnel were diagnosed with TBI but no other injured and again in all cases members returned to duty," he continued.

Ryder added that an additional 900 service members will be sent to the Middle East or have recently arrived in the region to help man air defenses to protect troops.

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