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A German field camp at the Al‑Azraq air base in Jordan was attacked overnight Monday with ballistic missiles launched from Iran, reports Spiegel.
The strike hit the section of the base used by the Bundeswehr, which shares the facility with U.S. Air Force units. A building housing German troops was damaged, but no casualties were reported, as personnel were in shelters during the attack. It remains unclear whether the missiles directly hit the base or if debris from intercepted rockets caused the damage.
The Bundeswehr has maintained a presence at Al‑Azraq for several years, supporting the international anti-terror coalition with tanker aircraft. Following the escalation in the Middle East, Germany reduced the base’s personnel to just over 100 troops. Two A400M transport planes remain on standby for rapid response or evacuation if needed.
Background of the regional escalation
The attacks are part of a broader conflict in the Middle East. On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran—code-named “Epic Fury” (U.S.) and “Lion’s Roar” (Israel)—killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and nearly 40 senior officials. A new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, was appointed on March 8.
In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, targeting infrastructure and residential areas. On the first day, Iran deployed 541 drones.
On March 5, Iran struck Azerbaijan, damaging the Nakhchivan airport terminal and injuring civilians. Turkey reported intercepting a ballistic missile launched from Iran over its territory.
The situation highlights the escalating risk to Western forces stationed in the region and underscores the potential for further regional destabilization.