Iranian-Backed Militants Target US Troops in Iraq After Tehran Vows Revenge

Iraq, Al-Asad Airbase Iraq
Iranian-backed militants targeted US troops in Iraq
Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants targeting al-Assad Airbase, with most of the projectiles being intercepted but some impacting on the base
Several US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries after a missile barrage hit Al Assad Air Base in western Iraq on Saturday
Tehran vowed revenge after a deadly attack on its elite forces in Damascus blamed on Israel
Iranian-Backed Militants Target US Troops in Iraq After Tehran Vows Revenge

Iranian-backed militants have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus. Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants targeting al-Assad Airbase, with most of the projectiles being intercepted by the base's air defense systems but some impacting on the base. Several US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries after a missile barrage hit Al Assad Air Base in western Iraq on Saturday.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the missiles were launched from Iran or Syria.
  • The exact number of projectiles that hit Al Assad Air Base is unknown.

Sources

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

US base attacked in Iraq hours after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack

Al Jazeera Media Network Al Jazeera Sunday, 21 January 2024 15:01
  • Unique Points
    • Iran-backed armed groups have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus.
    • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by the base's air defence systems, but others impacted on the base.
    • Attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have increased since the October 7 Israeli military offensive, which has been militarily backed by Washington. Since launching its offensive on Gaza Strip, Israel has expanded its attacks targeting Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that Iran-backed armed groups have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus, driving fears of wide regional conflict. This statement assumes that because Tehran made the claim, it must be true without providing any evidence to support this assertion. The second fallacy is inflammatory rhetoric when it states that attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have increased since the October 7 Israeli military offensive, which has been militarily backed by Washington. This statement implies that Israel is responsible for the increase in attacks without providing any evidence to support this assertion. The third fallacy is a dichotomous depiction when it states that Yemen's Houthis and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi have warned of the dangers of escalation in Israel's war on Gaza. This statement implies that there are only two sides to the conflict without providing any context or information about other parties involved. The fourth fallacy is an appeal to emotion when it states that attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting US forces have the potential to trigger a regional conflict, pitting Iran and its allies against Israel and the US. This statement appeals to fear without providing any evidence of what would happen if such a conflict were triggered.
    • Iran-backed armed groups have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge
    • attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have increased since the October 7 Israeli military offensive, which has been militarily backed by Washington
    • Yemen's Houthis and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi have warned of the dangers of escalation in Israel's war on Gaza
  • Bias (85%)
    The article is biased towards Iran and its allies. The author uses language that depicts the US as an aggressor and Israel as a terrorist state. The author also quotes sources from Tehran without providing any context or counter-viewpoints.
    • “Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase,”
      • “The Islamic Republic will not leave the Zionist regime’s crimes unanswered,”
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        Al Jazeera has a conflict of interest on the topics of Iran and Israel as they are both involved in the attack on al-Assad Airbase. Additionally, Al Jazeera is an Islamic news outlet which may have biases towards these countries.
        • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase
          • The Islamic Republic will not leave the Zionist regime's crimes unanswered,

          57%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          US personnel injured in attack on Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, US official says

          CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Oren Liebermann Saturday, 20 January 2024 23:13
          • Unique Points
            • Iran-backed armed groups have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus
            • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the projectiles were intercepted by the base's air defence systems, but others impacted on the base.
            • The stepped-up Israeli and US attacks targeting Iran-linked groups have the potential to trigger a regional conflict
            • An unspecified number of Syrian troops were also killed
          • Accuracy
            • The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack
            • This is the second time ballistic missiles have been used to target US forces
            • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets targeted the base and some made impact while most were intercepted by air defenses
            • Iranian-backed armed groups have targeted US troops in Iraq hours after Tehran vowed revenge
          • Deception (50%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Iran has its fingerprints all over this attack without providing any evidence to support his claim. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that ballistic missiles are rare and powerful when they have been used before against US forces in Iraq. Thirdly, the article is biased as it only quotes sources from one side of the conflict and does not provide a balanced view of events.
            • Iran has its fingerprints all over this attack
            • ballistic missiles are rare and powerful
          • Fallacies (70%)
            The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Islamic Resistance in Iraq as responsible for the attack without providing any evidence or context about their credibility. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of US forces and Iranian-backed militias where one side is portrayed as occupying forces while the other side is not. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the use of ballistic missiles as rare and powerful, which could be seen as sensationalizing or exaggerating the situation.
            • The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack.
          • Bias (85%)
            The article contains multiple examples of bias. The author uses inflammatory language to describe the attack on Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq as having Iran's fingerprints all over it and implies that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq is responsible for the attack without providing any evidence. Additionally, the author makes a connection between increased threats from Iranian-backed Shia militias and growing tension in the region, which could be seen as an attempt to demonize these groups. The article also mentions previous attacks on US forces by Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria without providing any context or explanation for why this is relevant to the current attack.
            • The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia group, claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack.
              • This has Iran's fingerprints all over it
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                Oren Liebermann has a conflict of interest on the topic of US personnel injured in attack on Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq as he is an employee of CNN which is owned by AT&T. The company has financial ties to defense contractors that may be affected by the events reported.
                • Oren Liebermann reports for CNN, a news organization owned by AT&T.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  Oren Liebermann has conflicts of interest on the topics of US personnel injured in attack on Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and tensions between US and Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. He also has a personal relationship with Jake Sullivan.

                  57%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Missile barrage on US base in Iraq leaves personnel being evaluated for brain injuries, officials say

                  ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Sunday, 21 January 2024 15:04
                  • Unique Points
                    • . The article is about a missile barrage on US base in Iraq.
                    • . Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants at Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq on Saturday.
                    • . Several U.S. personnel are being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries after the attack.
                    • At least one Iraqi service member was wounded in the attack.
                  • Accuracy
                    • It is unclear how the United States will respond to this latest attack on US forces in Iraq.
                  • Deception (50%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the missiles were intercepted by the air defense systems at the base but does not provide any information on how many of them were actually intercepted. This implies that all incoming missiles and rockets impacted the base which is false as stated later in the article.
                    • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants, CENTCOM said.
                  • Fallacies (70%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that CENTCOM said multiple missiles were launched by Iranian-backed militants without providing any evidence or citation for this claim. Secondly, the author commits a hasty generalization when they state that most of the incoming missiles and rockets were intercepted while others impacted on the base without providing any specific numbers or percentages to support their claim. Thirdly, there is an example of inflammatory rhetoric in the statement 'Much like the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Houthi militants, these attacks are said to be taking place in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.' This statement implies that Iranian-backed militias are responsible for all attacks against U.S. forces and ignores other factors that may have contributed to the escalation of violence in the region. Lastly, there is an example of a dichotomous depiction when the author states 'The vast majority of attacks in Iraq and Syria have been carried out using Iranian-made drones and rockets' without providing any evidence or citation for this claim.
                    • CENTCOM said multiple missiles were launched by Iranian-backed militants, but no evidence was provided to support this claim.
                    • The author commits a hasty generalization when they state that most of the incoming missiles and rockets were intercepted while others impacted on the base without providing any specific numbers or percentages to support their claim.
                    • Inflammatory rhetoric is used in the statement 'Much like attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Houthi militants, these attacks are said to be taking place in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.'
                    • The author presents a dichotomous depiction when they state that Iranian-backed militias are responsible for all attacks against U.S. forces and ignores other factors that may have contributed to the escalation of violence in the region.
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The article is biased towards the US military and their actions in Iraq. The author uses language that dehumanizes Iranian-backed militants by referring to them as 'Iranian-backed militias' instead of simply stating who they are. Additionally, the author describes the attacks on U.S bases as an escalation against U.S forces without providing any context or explanation for why these attacks are considered such a threat.
                    • Iranian-backed militias launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and rockets at Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq on Saturday that left several U.S personnel being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries, according to a statement from U.S Central Command.
                      • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants
                        • The attacks on US bases are said to be taking place in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                          The article reports on a missile barrage that hit an American base in Iraq. The author is ABC News and the topics discussed are related to conflicts of interest for the US military in Iraq.
                          • .
                            • Iranian-backed militants
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                              ABC News has a conflict of interest on the topics of Iranian-backed militants and Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq. The article reports that missiles were launched at an American base in Iraq from Syria, which is controlled by the Assad regime.
                              • .
                                • Iranian-backed militants

                                74%

                                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                US personnel injured in latest militant base attack in Iraq

                                Fox News Media Michael Dorgan, Sunday, 21 January 2024 15:11
                                • Unique Points
                                  • . The Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq came under attack on Saturday.
                                  • . U.S. personnel were injured during the attack and a member of Iraq's security forces was seriously wounded.
                                  • . More than 15 U.S. Patriot missiles were launched to intercept, but some got through according to Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute Syria Program and Countering Terrorism Extremism Program.
                                  • . The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.
                                  • . Two U.S. personnel sustained concussions described as traumatic brain force injuries from the missile attack.
                                • Accuracy
                                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                • Deception (30%)
                                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that US personnel were injured due to a militant attack on the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. However, it later becomes clear that only one member of Iraq's security forces was seriously wounded and no US personnel sustained any injuries from this attack.
                                  • However, a defense official later stated that two U.S. personnel sustained concussions described as traumatic brain force injuries.
                                  • The article states 'U.S. personnel were injured during an attack on the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq'.
                                • Fallacies (100%)
                                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                                • Bias (75%)
                                  The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts the Islamic Resistance in Iraq as an extremist group with a clear agenda to attack US military bases in Iraq and Syria.
                                  • Iran ANNOUNCES STRIKES IN NORTHERN IRAQ, SYRIA
                                    • The militants are seeking to impose a cost on the United States for its support of Israel against Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas.
                                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      The article discusses the attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and how US personnel were injured. The authors have a conflict of interest with Charles Lister who is an expert on Syria and has worked for Middle East Institute's Syria Program and Countering Terrorism Extremism Program.
                                      • Charles Lister is mentioned in the article as being involved in advising US personnel on their mission to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of ISIS, which could be seen as a conflict of interest with his work for Middle East Institute's Syria Program and Countering Terrorism Extremism Program.
                                        • The article mentions that the attack was carried out by Iran-backed militants, which could be seen as a conflict of interest with Charles Lister who is an expert on Syria and has worked for Middle East Institute's Syria Program and Countering Terrorism Extremism Program.
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                          None Found At Time Of Publication

                                        61%

                                        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                        US personnel injured in missile attack on Al Asad airbase in Iraq

                                        BBC News Site: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68702081, About Us URL: https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/ By Sean Sunday, 21 January 2024 15:12
                                        • Unique Points
                                          • Iran-backed militia targeted the Al Asad airbase with ballistic missiles and rockets
                                          • Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase
                                          • The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack on Al Asad Airbase
                                        • Accuracy
                                          • Iran-backed militia targeted the Al Asad airbase with ballistic missiles and rockets on Saturday evening.
                                          • An unspecified number of US personnel were undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded in the attack.
                                        • Deception (30%)
                                          The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author claims that an Iran-backed militia targeted the Al Asad airbase with ballistic missiles and rockets on Saturday evening. However, this is not entirely accurate as it implies that only one type of weapon was used when in fact multiple types were reported to have been fired at the base. Secondly, the author states that an unspecified number of US personnel were undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries but does not provide any specific details about how many or what percentage this represents. This is misleading as it could be interpreted as a significant number when in fact it may only represent a small fraction of those injured. Lastly, the author claims that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq emerged in late 2023 and is comprised of several Iran-affiliated armed groups operating in Iraq. However, this information is not supported by any evidence or sources provided within the article and therefore cannot be considered accurate.
                                          • The author claims that only one type of weapon was used when multiple types were reported to have been fired at the base.
                                        • Fallacies (70%)
                                          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the US military's Central Command as a source of information without providing any context or evidence for their claims. Additionally, the author makes use of inflammatory rhetoric when describing the attack on Al Asad airbase as 'scary' and 'dangerous'. The article also contains an example of a dichotomous depiction by stating that Iran-backed militias are responsible for attacks against US forces in Iraq, while not providing any information about other groups or factors that may be contributing to the conflict. Finally, there is no evidence provided to support the claim made by Al Asad base has been attacked repeatedly in recent years.
                                          • The author cites an unspecified number of US personnel were undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries without providing any context or evidence for their claims.
                                        • Bias (75%)
                                          The article contains examples of religious bias and ideological bias. The author uses language that depicts Iran-backed militias as extremist groups with a history of attacking US positions in Iraq and Syria.
                                          • > An unspecified number of US personnel were <b>undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries</b>.
                                            • <i>Earlier on Saturday, Iran accused Israel of carrying out an airstrike in the Syrian capital Damascus which killed five senior members of Iran's security forces.</i>
                                              • The group emerged in late 2023 and is comprised of several Iran-affiliated armed groups operating in Iraq. It has claimed other attacks against US forces in recent weeks.
                                                • The strike against the base was claimed by a group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. According to the US-based Washington Institute for Near East Policy, <b>the group emerged in late 2023</b> and is comprised of several Iran-affiliated armed groups operating in Iraq.
                                                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                                  The author of the article has multiple conflicts of interest on several topics related to the US military presence in Iraq and Iran's involvement. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is a think tank that receives funding from pro-Israel groups and advocates for policies that benefit Israel. This could compromise their ability to report objectively on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is mentioned in several of the topics provided.
                                                  • The article mentions the Washington Institute for Near East Policy as a source of information about Iran's involvement in Iraq. The organization has received funding from pro-Israel groups and advocates for policies that benefit Israel.
                                                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                                    The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses US personnel injured in a missile attack on Al Asad airbase and Iran-backed militia targeting US forces in Iraq. These topics are highly sensitive and could be seen as controversial by some readers. Additionally, the article mentions Central Command of the US military, Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which may have their own agendas or biases that could affect their reporting on these issues.
                                                    • The article mentions Iran-backed militia targeting US forces in Iraq. The author is based in London and has previously reported on conflicts between Israel and Palestine. This could be seen as a potential conflict of interest if they are covering topics related to regional tensions, which may have implications for UK foreign policy.
                                                      • The article mentions the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an organization that focuses on US-Middle Eastern relations. The author is based in London and has previously reported on conflicts between Israel and Palestine. This could be seen as a potential conflict of interest if they are covering topics related to regional tensions, which may have implications for UK foreign policy.
                                                        • The author is a reporter with BBC News and has previously reported on conflicts in the Middle East. This could be seen as a potential conflict of interest if they are covering topics related to US military operations in Iraq, which may have implications for UK foreign policy.