British forces based in Iraq have shot down two Iranian drones overnight, according to Defence Secretary John Healey.
The drones were targeted at a coalition base in the Iraqi city of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region. US troops were injured in the attack, but there were no British casualties.
Brigadier Guy Foden stated that the base and another in Baghdad were struck multiple times on Wednesday night. British personnel are currently in Erbil helping to defend the base.
Timeline of Events
The attack occurred after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have led to retaliation against US bases in Iraq. The Western base in Erbil is controlled by the US but often houses other coalition forces, including British troops.
Defence Secretary John Healey said that from the start of Iran's retaliatory attacks, a British team has been involved in Iraq, pulling down drones and protecting the base and other service personnel.
International Involvement
Healey also mentioned that the UK's chief of joint operations, Lieutenant General Nick Perry, briefed him on the situation in the Middle East, citing signs of a link between Russia and Iran in the use of attack drones.
The UK has flown air combat patrols over Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, with RAF jets also defending Cyprus with European allies.
UK Military Operations
A British warship, HMS Dragon, is en route to the Mediterranean to protect RAF Akrotiri, which was previously hit by an Iranian-made drone. The UK has clocked up over 300 pilot flying hours in the last 13 days.
