March 3, 2021
We can confirm that early this morning the air base at Al Asad in Iraq came under rocket attack.
Preliminary indications are that approximately ten rockets were fired from points of origin east of the base.
There are no current reports of U.S. servicemember injuries and all are accounted for. A U.S. civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering and sadly passed away shortly after.
Iraqi security forces are on scene and investigating. We cannot attribute responsibility at this time, and we do not have a complete picture of the extent of the damage. We stand by as needed to assist our Iraqi partners as they investigate.
Al Asad’s Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) missile defensive systems engaged in defense of our forces.
Secretary Austin was briefed by his team and is closely monitoring the situation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the individual who died.