The United States suffered no casualties or damages in the missile attacks that Iran launched on targets in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed responsibility for the Jan. 15 attack, stating that it had targeted a spy facility using ballistic missiles to destroy espionage centers and gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in the region. The explosions occurred near the U.S. consulate and civilian residences about 25 miles from Erbil. However, a National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson confirmed that no U.S. personnel or facilities were targeted.
Although Iran has previously targeted the region through proxy militia groups, the recent attack is particularly significant due to the direct claim of responsibility by the IRGC. The attack also follows a series of U.S. air strikes against Iran-backed Houthi elements in Yemen, linked to Iran’s months-long campaign of terror against shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Iran’s President condemned the U.S. air strikes while Iranian leadership vowed to take revenge against the United States. The semi-official Fars news agency confirmed that no damages or casualties occurred at U.S. facilities or the consulate during the missile attacks.