Washington DC, 20 October 2023 (TDI): In recent days, US officials have reported a series of attacks on United States (US) troops in Iraq and Syria.
This surge in attacks coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle Eastern region during the Israel-Palestine conflict, prompting Washington to remain on alert for activity by Iran-backed groups.
To address this situation, the President of the US, Joe Biden has taken steps to bolster the US military presence in the Middle East, including deploying two aircraft carriers, additional warships, and around 2,000 Marines.
The attacks on the US forces are subsequent to the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict on October 7 when Palestinian fighters from Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel.
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These attacks included the use of drones, with one incident resulting in minor injuries to US forces in Syria. Additionally, US forces successfully thwarted multiple drone attacks targeting troops in Iraq.
On Thursday, drones and rockets targeted the Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts US and other international forces in western Iraq, resulting in multiple explosions within the base.
Rockets also hit another military base near Baghdad’s international airport that houses US forces, as reported by Iraqi police. However, specific details on these incidents have not been provided.
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Pentagon Spokesman, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder confirmed that the US is closely monitoring these attacks.
He stated, “While I’m not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat.”
He emphasized that any response if deemed necessary, would occur at a time and in a manner determined by the US
Likewise, in a separate incident, a US Navy warship near Yemen intercepted missiles and several drones that were launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
While these projectiles were intercepted, it was noted that they were potentially heading in the direction of Israel.
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It’s important to highlight that the US government does not see a direct link between the rise in attacks and the Israel-Palestine conflict that began on October 7.
The conflict has seen continued Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties, but no direct correlation has been established between this conflict and the attacks on US forces.
The US maintains a military presence in Iraq and Syria, primarily with the mission to advise and assist local forces in combating the Islamic State.
Tensions in Iraq have been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with leading figures condemning Israel’s actions.
Additionally, certain factions, including Kataib Hezbollah with ties to Iran, have accused the US of supporting Israel and called for the US to leave Iraq.
While attacks on US forces in Iraq had previously abated under a truce in place since last year, the recent surge in incidents underscores the fluid and complex dynamics in the region and the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability.
