U.S. Downs Drones at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad Base and Erbil Consulate; No Casualties Reported

U.S. defense officials said three attack drones were launched on 15 June toward the Ain al-Asad Airbase in Iraq’s Anbar province, which hosts American troops. Air-defense systems shot down all three UAVs, preventing damage or injuries. The incident came shortly after Israeli strikes on Iran, and while no group claimed responsibility, officials said the devices were likely fired by Iranian-backed militias operating inside Iraq. Hours later, U.S. forces intercepted another explosive-laden drone near the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, northern Iraq—the second such attempt in as many nights. The intercepted drone exploded after being hit, with debris falling in Zin City but causing no casualties. U.S. officials view the back-to-back attacks as part of a rising campaign by Tehran-aligned paramilitary groups to pressure American installations in Iraq amid heightened regional tensions.