Four Rockets Target Iraq’s Balad Airbase

 Balad Airbase in Iraq (File photo - Reuters)
Balad Airbase in Iraq (File photo - Reuters)
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Four Rockets Target Iraq’s Balad Airbase

 Balad Airbase in Iraq (File photo - Reuters)
Balad Airbase in Iraq (File photo - Reuters)

The Iraqi Security Media Cell said on Thursday that four rockets fell in open areas in Balad Airbase, leaving no damage or casualties.

The media cell stated that the authorities will hunt down the perpetrators of this “cowardly terrorist act”, reassuring Iraqi citizens that “the acts of criminal terrorist gangs will not pass unless the perpetrators are put behind bars and under the judgment of the law.”

Balad Airbase houses Iraqi F-16, L-159, and T-6 fighter jets. It also includes facilities, equipment, and integrated spare parts to maintain these combat aircraft.

No group has claimed responsibility, but armed groups, that some Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran, have claimed similar incidents in the past.

Authorities will hunt down the perpetrators of this “cowardly terrorist act,” the cell affirmed, reassuring Iraqi citizens that “gangs that do not want stability for Iraq” will be held accountable.

Security sources revealed that the rockets were fired from towns in the vicinity of Tigris river in Khalis district, some 50 kilometers north of Baghdad.

They pointed out that the rockets targeted the headquarters of the US company, Sallyport, which houses foreign contractors affiliated with Lockheed Martin company.

Iraqi forces thwarted an attack by three drones targeting the Balad Airbase on January 15.

Three drones approached the southern perimeter of the Balad Airbase, some 90 km north of Baghdad, prompting the Iraqi forces to open fire on the drones and forcing them to flee the scene.



Iran, Syria Agree to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism Cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
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Iran, Syria Agree to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism Cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)

Iran and Syria have pledged to strengthen joint efforts to “combat terrorism,” without directly addressing the role of Iranian advisors in Syria.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Syria’s new Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. This marked Sabbagh’s first visit to Tehran since taking office in September.

In a joint press conference, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s support for Syria and its regional allies. “Iran will always stand by Syria and the Axis of Resistance,” he said, promising continued assistance.

Sabbagh called the talks “positive and constructive,” emphasizing closer cooperation between the two countries. He condemned “Israeli aggression” and stressed the need for an immediate halt to such actions and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Sabbagh also reiterated Syria’s call to end Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and highlighted the importance of working with Iran to combat terrorism and its sources, according to Iranian media.

Sabbagh’s visit to Tehran comes days after Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

Iran’s Javan newspaper reported that Larijani delivered a message to the Axis of Resistance, stressing continued operations and addressing a proposed ceasefire in Lebanon.

The talks also included support for Syria and Hezbollah’s rejection of US changes to UN Resolution 1701, known as the “Litani Plus” plan.

The visit followed remarks by Ali Asghar Khaji, an advisor to Iran’s foreign minister, who told Russia’s RIA Novosti that Iran has no plans to adjust its advisory presence in Syria despite rising regional tensions.