Jan. 8--WASHINGTON -- Iran launched more than a dozen rockets at two bases in Iraq where U.S. troops were based, the Pentagon said.
The attacks were launched at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Department of Defense.
"It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil," the statement said. "We are working on initial battle damage assessments."
The Defense Department took steps in recent days to safeguard U.S. troops, according to the statement.
"These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," it said. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region."
About 650 paratroopers with Fort Bragg's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations New Year's Day, following Iran's attack on the U.S. embassy in Iraq.
On Friday, Department of Defense officials announced that the remainder of the brigade, known as the Immediate Response Force, would deploy to Kuwait.
More than 3,500 paratroopers began deploying to the Middle East "as an appropriate and precautionary action in response to increased threat levels against U.S. personnel and facilities in the region," Lt. Col. Michael Burns, a spokesman for the 82nd Airborne Division, previously said.
"They are ready to answer the nation's call -- fit, well trained and disciplined," Burns previously said.
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