Iraqi Air Force transport aircraft damaged in rocket strike

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi Air Force Antonov-132 military transport aircraft was destroyed in a rocket strike on Shaheed Alaa Air Base, the military section of Baghdad International Airport, at 1:55 a.m. Monday, Iraq’s Defense Ministry said.

122mm Grad rockets were launched from the outskirts of Baghdad, the ministry said, with no casualties recorded. Authorities dispatched teams to assess the damage and track the sources of the launch.

The ministry condemned what it called “a cowardly criminal act targeting the military institution and its defensive capabilities,” warning it “will not be lenient in pursuing anyone who dares to undermine Iraq’s security and sovereignty.” It said the response “will be firm within legal frameworks,” adding that “Iraq will remain impervious to all attempts at targeting and sabotage.”

The strikes coincided with rockets and drones launched by Iraqi factions targeting the U.S. Diplomatic Support Center near the airport. Authorities found launch platforms for 122mm Grad rockets in the Diyala Bridge area, southeast of Baghdad.

The strike is the latest in a series of attacks on the airport complex since the regional war began Feb. 28. The Victory Base Complex adjacent to the airport has been repeatedly struck, including a major attack in March that sparked a large fire visible across the capital. Five rockets struck the airport itself on March 16, wounding five people and prompting Prime Minister Sudani to order the replacement of sector commanders. Interior Minister al-Shammari on Monday dismissed and detained the al-Mada’in police chief, area intelligence head and a federal police battalion commander for failing to prevent Sunday’s launch from their sector.