US forces targeted in three attacks in Iraq

US forces were targeted in three attacks in Iraq on Thursday but suffered no casualties, security sources told Reuters.

An explosive device near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul targeted a joint patrol of US forces and the Iraqi counterterrorism service, causing damage to a vehicle, according to the sources.

Armed drones also targeted an air base in Erbil and the Ain al-Asad air base west of Baghdad, both of which house American and international forces. The drones were downed by air defences, Reuters reported.

A US official said that in the past 24 hours there had been four attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria. Three US troops sustained minor injuries but returned to duty, the official added.

US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 40 times in Iraq and Syria since 7 October. Washington blames the attacks on Iran-backed groups. 

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have stated that American assets would be targeted as long as Washington backs Israel in its war on Gaza.

Earleir on Thursday, the US military said it had struck targets in Syria to destroy weaponry and deter Iranian-backed separatist groups from targeting American personnel.