Two drones launched from Iran targeting Israel were intercepted and destroyed over Iraq by the U.S.-led international coalition combating the Islamic State group, as reported by two Iraqi military officials to AFP on Sunday, June 15.
The drones were shot down overnight between Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, by coalition forces based at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq, which hosts international troops. One official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the drones were en route to Israel when intercepted. The second official noted that the drones were neutralized after entering the coalition’s defensive perimeter, where troops are authorized to counter perceived threats.
The interception occurs amid escalating regional tensions following Israel’s unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian territory on Friday, targeting military, nuclear, and residential sites. In response, Iran has launched numerous ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. Some of these projectiles have landed in Iraq, primarily in unpopulated desert areas, with no reported casualties.
On Friday, June 13, coalition forces at the Ain al-Asad base also shot down an explosive drone, according to Iraqi sources.
The Baghdad government navigates a delicate position in the conflict, maintaining close relations with Tehran while upholding a strategic partnership with Washington. The United States currently deploys around 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of its mission against jihadist groups. Under a bilateral agreement, coalition forces are set to gradually withdraw, leaving federal Iraqi bases by September 2025 and fully departing the autonomous Kurdistan region by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi armed group Kataeb Hezbollah issued a warning to the United States on Sunday, threatening retaliation if U.S. forces directly intervene in the Israel-Iran conflict. In a statement, the group declared that Iran was capable of confronting Israel without external military support and warned that American military bases and interests in the region would become targets if the U.S. engaged in the conflict.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli