In a swift response to a close-range ballistic missile attack on US and coalition forces, a US military aircraft fired upon a vehicle, eliminating hostile forces, according to a US official. The incident occurred at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq on Monday evening, marking the first time a ballistic missile was employed since the attacks on US and coalition forces commenced on October 17, revealed Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh.

Following the attack by Iranian-backed militants, there were "several non-serious injuries and some minor damage to infrastructure," confirmed Singh. The exact number of hostile forces killed remains undisclosed, but two US officials stated that the US AC-130 gunship, renowned for its ability to engage ground-based targets, acted in defense.

The retaliatory action adds to the mounting tally of attacks on US and coalition forces, reaching a total of 66 since October 17 in Iraq and Syria. Al-Asad Airbase has been specifically targeted on multiple occasions. Prior to the ballistic missile attack, a one-way drone attack had been launched against forces at the base. Thankfully, it resulted in no casualties or infrastructure damage.

Injuries sustained by US troops during these attacks have been relatively minor, with at least 56 soldiers reporting minor injuries since October 17. Among them, 25 suffered traumatic brain injuries. However, all troops have since returned to their duties.

This recent incident, involving the AC-130 gunship's response, indicates that the US military has not hesitated to take action against hostile forces when their point of origin is identified. While Singh did not clarify if this was the first such response since October 17, she affirmed that there have been other instances of retaliation.

Not content with merely defending against attacks, the US has launched three strikes in Syria as a response to the ongoing assaults on their troops. The first two strikes occurred on October 26, targeting facilities in Abu Kamal associated with Iranian-backed militias. The next strike, on November 8, targeted a weapons storage facility in Maysalun in Deir Ezzor, utilized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups. Lastly, on November 12, the US carried out additional strikes on a training facility and safe house in Syria near Abu Kamal and Mayadin, respectively.

These attacks on US and coalition forces began following Hamas' assault on Israel, leading the Pentagon to assert that they have successfully deterred any escalation that might expand the conflict beyond Israel and Gaza. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reiterated this sentiment, stating, "Taking us back—is deterrence working? We feel that it is. We have not seen this war spread into a wider regional conflict."

Singh further emphasized that the US remains prepared to respond to future threats, stating, "We will always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing in the future."

As tensions persist in the region, the US military continues its mission to protect its troops and maintain stability in the area while deterring any further acts of aggression.