Iraqi army repels attack on base hosting U.S. Marines, officials say

Tribal fighters take part in a military training to prepare for fighting against Islamic State militants, at the Ain al-Assad military base in Anbar province November 15, 2014. Picture taken November 15, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - About 25 Islamic State fighters led by several suicide bombers attacked Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's Anbar province on Friday but were repulsed by Iraqi security forces guarding the perimeter who killed most of the assailants, the Pentagon said.

Rear Admiral John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters in Washington that U.S. Marines training Iraqi military troops at the sprawling base were about 2 miles (3.5 km) away and were not involved in the fight.