Iraqi forces confiscate 5 Grad rockets, launch pads in Nineveh

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Security forces in northern Iraq’s Nineveh Plain announced on Friday they had confiscated five Grad rockets along with launch pads, the Iraqi military announced.

The discovery came during a search operation by security forces in the west of Nineveh Plain, the Iraqi military press office known as the Security Media Cell said.

According to the Security Media Cell, the rocket and launchers were hidden inside car wheels.

The confiscation comes as Iraq grapples with armed groups launching regular rocket and drone attacks on diplomatic and foreign military personnel stationed at Iraqi military bases. The attacks have been blamed on Iraqi militia groups backed by Iran.

Earlier this month, security forces in Diyala province took control of four rockets which they said were intended to be launched towards Balad Airbase, an Iraqi installation housing American contractors maintaining the country’s F-16 jets.