Biden briefed on attack on Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on a suspected rocket attack on Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq, where US and coalition forces are stationed, the White House said Monday.

"They discussed the steps we are taking to defend our forces and respond to any attack against our personnel in a manner and place of our choosing," it said in a statement.

The statement came after Biden and Harris were briefed by the national security team on developments in the Middle East.

Several US personnel were injured Monday in a suspected attack on the airbase in western Iraq, according to US media, citing anonymous American officials.

The White House said the briefing focused on the threats posed by Iran and its proxies to Israel and to US service members in the region.

"They were updated on US military efforts to support the defense of Israel, should it be attacked again. They were also briefed on continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tension and to bring the cease-fire and hostage release deal to a conclusion," it added.