Ahead of the Pope's Visit to Iraq, One American Contractor Killed in Military Base Bombing

Terror Attacks Continue Ahead of Pope's First Visit to Iraq Starting on the 5th
Retaliation Presumed for US Airstrikes on the 25th... "Measures Will Be Taken if Further Response Is Needed"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ahead of the historic first visit of the Pope to Iraq on the 5th, another rocket attack occurred at a military base in Iraq following last month, resulting in the death of one American civilian contractor. The U.S. White House has announced measures implying retaliation. As clashes continue between Iran-backed militias in Iraq and U.S. forces, concerns are rising that this could inadvertently provide an opportunity for the international terrorist organization IS to rebuild.

According to foreign media including CNN, on the 3rd (local time), the U.S. White House expressed regret over the death of one American civilian contractor who was evacuating during the rocket attack at Ain al-Asad Airbase in Anbar Province, western Iraq, and hinted at retaliation. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki stated in a briefing, "We are assessing the impact of this rocket attack, including determining exact responsibility," and emphasized, "If it is judged that further response is necessary, the U.S. can take action again at a time and in a manner of our choosing."

According to the Associated Press, this attack is presumed to be retaliation for the U.S. airstrike that occurred on the 25th of last month. Earlier, on the 15th of last month, a rocket attack at a military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in the death of one U.S. contractor and injuries to eight civilians, including one U.S. soldier. Ten days later, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iran-backed militia bases located near the Iraq-Syria border.

U.S. forces stationed in Iraq and Iraqi authorities are struggling to maintain security as terrorist attacks continue just two days before the Pope's visit. According to Voice of America (VOA), Pope Francis will visit Iraq for four days starting on the 5th, becoming the first Pope in history to do so, and is scheduled to meet with the highest Shia leader, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The day before, the Vatican stated that the Pope is determined to visit Iraq and has no plans to change the schedule.