Peregraf — Iraq's Ministry of Defense said early Monday that Al-Shaheed Muhammad Alaa Air Base was targeted in a rocket attack launched from the outskirts of the capital, resulting in the destruction of a military aircraft but no loss of life.
According to an official statement, the attack occurred at exactly 1:55 a.m., when 122mm Grad rockets struck the air base. The barrage destroyed an Antonov-132 aircraft belonging to the Iraqi Air Force, while no human casualties were reported.
Authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage and are working to identify and track the launch sites used in the attack, the ministry said.
The Defense Ministry condemned the strike as a "cowardly criminal act" aimed at undermining Iraq's military capabilities and destabilizing national security. It stressed that the armed forces remain an integral part of the Iraqi people and are committed to safeguarding the country and its citizens.
"All weapons, equipment, and aircraft are the property of the Iraqi state," the statement said, adding that any attack on them constitutes "sabotage" and a direct threat to national stability.
The ministry vowed to pursue those responsible, warning that it "will not hesitate to take action against anyone who attempts to compromise Iraq's security and sovereignty."
Despite the attack, officials sought to reassure the public that military readiness remains unaffected. "These actions will not impact the preparedness of our forces," the statement said, adding that any response would be "firm, within legal frameworks, and in a way that preserves the security and stability of the country."
No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack so far.