US contractors and Iraqi fighter jets are based at Balad, north of Baghdad. Reuters
US contractors and Iraqi fighter jets are based at Balad, north of Baghdad. Reuters
US contractors and Iraqi fighter jets are based at Balad, north of Baghdad. Reuters
US contractors and Iraqi fighter jets are based at Balad, north of Baghdad. Reuters

Four rockets hit Iraq's largest military airbase


  • English
  • Arabic

Four rockets hit Iraq's Balad airbase but caused no damage or casualties, the Iraqi Security Media Cell said on Thursday.

The rockets landed in an "open area in Balad airbase, where Iraqi aircraft instrumental for the fight against terrorists are stationed", state news agency Ina cited a tweet by the Security Cell, which also said that legal action would be taken against the perpetrators.

No group has claimed responsibility.

Balad airbase, the country largest, is about 64 kilometres north of Baghdad.

It hosts US contractors and Iraqi fighter jets and is often the target of attacks and shelling that in the past have caused casualties.

In January, the Security Cell announced that three drones approaching the airbase were gunned down after they were seen with the naked eye from watchtowers.

Commander of the base, Maj Gen Diaa Mohsen, told state media at the time that the unidentified drones were not spotted by radar "because they were launched from a location in close proximity to the facility".

Two years after Iranian commander Qassem Suleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike near Baghad's airport, Iraqi sources revealed that the country is in talks to acquire anti-drone systems to protect its airspace.

In the past, armed groups that some Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran have claimed similar incidents.

Set-jetting on the Emerald Isle

Other shows filmed in Ireland include: Vikings (County Wicklow), The Fall (Belfast), Line of Duty (Belfast), Penny Dreadful (Dublin), Ripper Street (Dublin), Krypton (Belfast)

Dubai World Cup factbox

Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)

Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)

Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)

Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

'Saand Ki Aankh'

Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Updated: March 18, 2022, 11:59 AM