An American subcontractor was killed Friday, December 27, in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk, the anti-jihadist coalition led by the United States announced in a statement.
"Several US soldiers and Iraqi personnel were injured" on this base, home to coalition forces and located in the north of the country, she added.
"The Iraqi security forces are conducting the response (to the attack) and the investigation. More information will be made public once it becomes available. ", said the coalition.
An American official familiar with the investigation told Agence France-Presse (AFP), on condition of anonymity, that at least thirty rockets had hit the base, notably affecting an ammunition depot.
Unclaimed fire
Since the end of October, rounds of rockets have been fired several times at areas where American soldiers and diplomats are based. The shootings have not been claimed, but the United States accuses the pro-Iran factions in Iraq. According to the American official, the attack on the base in Kirkuk is the most important since the beginning of these salvos.
The United States had called the Iraqi government in mid-December to " take measures " to end the attacks in Iraq against American interests.
Defense Minister Mark Esper then voiced his " worry " to Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi "About what appear to be attacks on bases in Iraq where American forces or equipment may be found".
Mr. Abdel Mahdi had for his part called "Everyone to spare no effort to prevent an escalation which will threaten all parties", fearful according to a senior Iraqi official "That an American response to gunfire from pro-Iran parties degenerates into clashes on Iraqi soil".
