15 Rockets Fired from Iraq at US Base in Syria

US forces in Syria (Reuters)
US forces in Syria (Reuters)
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15 Rockets Fired from Iraq at US Base in Syria

US forces in Syria (Reuters)
US forces in Syria (Reuters)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that around 15 rockets were fired from Iraq at its Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria, saying there were no injuries to personnel or damage to equipment.

“Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin with uncrewed ISR assets and passed the location to Iraqi Security Forces who moved to and investigated the site,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

It added that a fuel truck modified to launch up to 20 rockets was located at the site.

The United States is leading an international coalition against ISIS in Iraq and Syria under the name “Operation Inherent Resolve.”

On Sunday, Iraqi armed factions announced that they had targeted a base of US forces in Syria, saying the bombing was in response to the resumption of attacks on the Gaza Strip.

In a statement obtained by the Arab World News Agency, the factions said they launched a “barrage of rockets” at the Kharab al-Jeer base in northeastern Syria and hit directly their targets.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the presence of a runway for the US military cargo planes and a helipad in Kharab al-Jeer base.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.