CENTCOM confirmed that “multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the base’s air defence systems while others impacted on the base… A number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded”. Later, the Pentagon confirmed that four U.S. personnel were wounded but “all have returned to duty”. A White House official warned that “we are going to respond... to establish deterrence in these situations and to hold these groups accountable that continue to attack us”.