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US Officials: Missile Defense Systems Now Operating in Iraq

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - New air defense systems are now protecting American and
   allied forces at military bases in Iraq where troops have been attacked
   by Iranian-backed insurgents in recent months, according to U.S.
   officials.

   Patriot missile launchers and two other short-range systems are now in
   place at al-AsadAir Base, where Iran carried out a massive ballistic
   missile attack against U.S. and coalition troops in January, and at the
   military base in Irbil, said officials, who spoke on condition of
   anonymity to discuss sensitive weapons movement. A short-range rocket
   defense system was installed at CampTaji.

   The military has been gradually moving the defensive systems into Iraq
   over the last few months to provide more protection for troops that
   have seen a series of rocket and missile attacks.

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