Iran's Missile Attack On US Bases In Iraq: What Happened?

On January 8, 2020, the world watched with bated breath as Iran launched a series of missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases in Iraq. This event marked a significant escalation in the tensions between the two nations and raised serious concerns about a potential full-blown conflict. Understanding the context, the details of the attack, and the aftermath is crucial to grasping the complexities of this geopolitical flashpoint. Let's dive deep into what really happened during Iran's missile attack on US air bases in Iraq.

Background to the Attack

To truly understand the gravity of Iran's missile attack, it's essential to rewind a bit and look at the events leading up to it. The relationship between the United States and Iran has been fraught with tension for decades, marked by periods of cooperation and intense hostility. In recent years, the situation had become particularly volatile following the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. This withdrawal, coupled with the reimposition of stringent economic sanctions by the Trump administration, placed immense pressure on the Iranian economy.

Iran, feeling increasingly isolated and economically strangled, began to push back. This manifested in various ways, including alleged attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and the downing of a U.S. drone in June 2019. The U.S. responded with increased military presence in the region and further sanctions, creating a tense standoff. The assassination of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike on January 3, 2020, served as the immediate catalyst for the missile attacks. Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, was a highly influential figure in Iran and was considered by many to be the second most powerful person in the country, after the Supreme Leader. His death was seen as a major escalation by Iran, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "severe revenge."

The killing of Soleimani dramatically altered the dynamics. It was not merely a tit-for-tat exchange but a significant move that demanded a strong response from Iran to maintain its credibility and project strength both domestically and regionally. The Iranian leadership had to carefully calibrate its response to be forceful enough to satisfy its domestic audience and deter further aggression, yet avoid triggering an all-out war with the United States. This delicate balancing act set the stage for the missile attacks on the U.S. bases in Iraq. The decision to strike military bases housing American troops was a calculated one, designed to send a clear message of deterrence while minimizing the risk of causing mass casualties, which could have provoked a much stronger reaction from the U.S.

Details of the Missile Attack

In the early hours of January 8, 2020, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops: Al Asad Air Base in western Iraq and a base in Erbil, in the Kurdistan region. The attacks began at approximately 1:20 AM local time, with missiles striking both locations in successive waves. According to U.S. military officials, a total of 16 missiles were fired, with 11 hitting Al Asad Air Base and at least one striking the base in Erbil. Other missiles reportedly failed to reach their targets.

The missiles used in the attack were primarily short-range ballistic missiles, including the Qiam 1 and the Fateh-110. These missiles are known for their accuracy and destructive capabilities. The Qiam 1, in particular, is a mobile-launched, liquid-propelled missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers. The Fateh-110 is a solid-propellant missile with a shorter range but is highly accurate and maneuverable. The choice of these missiles indicated Iran's intention to demonstrate its precision strike capabilities and inflict maximum damage on the targeted facilities.

Prior to the missile strikes, there were indications that an attack was imminent. U.S. intelligence agencies had detected heightened activity at Iranian missile sites, and warnings were passed on to personnel at the targeted bases. As a result, precautionary measures were taken, including moving troops and equipment to bunkers and fortified positions. This advance warning played a crucial role in minimizing casualties during the attack. The Al Asad Air Base, being the larger of the two targets, sustained the most significant damage. Missiles struck various parts of the base, including aircraft parking areas, living quarters, and operational facilities. However, due to the timely warnings and the implementation of safety protocols, there were no immediate reports of fatalities. The base in Erbil also suffered damage, although to a lesser extent. The attacks caused considerable disruption to operations at both bases, and it took several days to fully assess the extent of the damage and restore normal functioning.

Immediate Aftermath and Reactions

Following the missile attacks, the world braced for what seemed like an inevitable escalation. Initial reports were scarce, and the level of damage and casualties remained unclear. The immediate reaction from the U.S. was cautious, with President Trump tweeting that "All is well!" and that an assessment of casualties and damages was underway. This initial response suggested a desire to de-escalate the situation, at least in the immediate term.

Within hours, however, the picture began to clarify. It became apparent that, remarkably, there were no American or Iraqi fatalities. This was largely attributed to the advance warning and the precautionary measures taken by the military. The absence of casualties significantly altered the calculus for the U.S. response. Had there been significant loss of life, the pressure for a retaliatory strike would have been immense. In a televised address to the nation the day after the attacks, President Trump announced that the U.S. would not immediately retaliate militarily. Instead, he announced further economic sanctions against Iran and called on other nations to join in applying pressure on the Iranian regime. This decision was seen by many as a move to step back from the brink of war and pursue a diplomatic solution.

Internationally, the reaction to the missile attacks was one of widespread concern and calls for restraint. Many countries condemned the attacks and urged both the U.S. and Iran to de-escalate the situation. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint and urged all parties to avoid any further actions that could escalate tensions. European leaders also expressed their concern and called for dialogue to resolve the crisis. The attacks highlighted the precariousness of the situation in the Middle East and the potential for a small spark to ignite a major conflagration. The international community recognized the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and promote stability in the region. The attacks also underscored the importance of the Iran nuclear deal and the need to find a way to preserve it, as it was seen as a key tool for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and further destabilizing the region.

Long-Term Consequences and Impact

While the immediate crisis following the missile attacks subsided without a full-blown war, the long-term consequences and impact of the event are still being felt. One of the most significant outcomes was the revelation of the extent of damage to U.S. personnel caused by the attacks. Initially, the U.S. military reported that there were no casualties. However, in the weeks and months that followed, it emerged that dozens of soldiers had suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as a result of the missile strikes.

The delayed acknowledgment of these injuries sparked controversy and raised questions about the initial assessments and reporting. Some critics accused the military of downplaying the extent of the injuries for political reasons. The issue of TBIs among military personnel has become a major concern in recent years, and the incident in Iraq brought renewed attention to the need for better diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. The revelation of the TBIs also had a significant impact on the soldiers and their families. Many veterans have struggled with the long-term effects of TBIs, including cognitive difficulties, emotional problems, and physical symptoms. The delayed acknowledgment of these injuries added to their frustration and made it more difficult for them to access the care and support they needed.

Beyond the immediate physical and psychological impact, the missile attacks also had broader implications for the U.S.-Iran relationship and the security situation in the Middle East. The attacks demonstrated Iran's willingness to use military force to defend its interests and deter perceived aggression. They also highlighted the vulnerability of U.S. forces in the region and the challenges of deterring Iranian attacks. The attacks further complicated the already complex political dynamics in Iraq. The Iraqi government, caught between its two allies, the U.S. and Iran, found itself in a difficult position. The attacks raised questions about the future of the U.S. military presence in Iraq and the potential for further escalation between the U.S. and Iran on Iraqi soil.

Conclusion

The Iranian missile attack on U.S. air bases in Iraq was a pivotal moment in the ongoing tensions between the two countries. While it did not lead to an immediate war, it had far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the region today. From the initial shock and fear to the eventual revelation of hidden casualties, the event underscored the delicate balance of power in the Middle East and the ever-present threat of escalation. Understanding the full context of the attack, its execution, and its aftermath is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of this critical geopolitical landscape. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for diplomacy, de-escalation, and a commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the conflicts that plague the region. It also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues that fuel tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including the nuclear issue, regional rivalries, and economic sanctions. Only through a comprehensive and sustained effort to address these issues can the risk of future conflict be reduced and a more stable and peaceful future be built.