Fire reported after attack near US military base in northern Iraq

ERBIL, Iraq

A fire broke out Thursday following an attack on an area that includes a US military base in northern Iraq, according to Iraqi media.

Reports said the attack targeted a location in the Soran district of Erbil province, where the Al-Harir military base used by US forces is located.

The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire were not immediately clear, and there were no initial reports of casualties.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul