In recent days, U.S. military personnel have faced a series of repeated attacks in Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. officials. These incidents come at a time of heightened alertness in Washington due to concerns over the activities of Iran-backed groups. The tensions in the region have escalated further with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
An account by OSINTdefender X posted on Thursday night pointed out that U.S. troops have been subjected to more than seven attacks in Iraq and Syria within the past 48 hours. Surprisingly, these attacks and the President of the United States’ response, or lack thereof, were notably absent from his recent address to the nation.
Amidst the rising tensions in the Middle East, American forces stationed in the region are encountering increasingly severe threats. On Thursday, a Navy warship intercepted missiles that appeared to be headed towards Israel, while American bases in Iraq and Syria suffered repeated drone attacks.
Later on Thursday, near Baghdad’s airport, a U.S. official reported an attack where one projectile was successfully intercepted, and another struck the area. Fortunately, initial reports suggested no injuries, although the type of munition used remained unclear. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasizing that information was still being gathered.
Notably, the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer in the northern Red Sea, intercepted three land attack cruise missiles and several drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. This action potentially marked the first involvement of the U.S. military in defending Israel during this conflict.
Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, acknowledged the possibility that these missiles were aimed at Israel but stressed that a conclusive assessment had not yet been made.
Regarding the missile interception, a U.S. official stated that there was no indication the missiles, which were shot down over water, were targeting the U.S. warship. However, a series of drone attacks over the past three days have indeed targeted U.S. bases, including one in southern Syria on Thursday that resulted in minor injuries.
This surge in violence follows a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital, sparking protests in several Muslim nations. While Israel has been carrying out extensive attacks on Gaza in response to the earlier Hamas assault, it has denied responsibility for the al-Ahli hospital explosion. The U.S. has supported this denial, citing its intelligence assessments.
In recent days, various militant groups across the region, from Hezbollah to the Houthis, have expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and issued threats against Israel. Since Tuesday, militants have launched at least four drone attacks on U.S. military installations in Iraq and Syria, where American troops assist in training local defense forces and supporting the mission against the Islamic State group.
These attacks have raised concerns in the U.S. and the West about the potential expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict into a larger regional crisis, something authorities are actively working to prevent.
Israel has called up a record 360,000 reservists and has continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas’s previous assault. However, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder does not see a direct link between the rise in attacks and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The most recent drone attack occurred at al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq on Thursday. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had successfully struck their targets with rockets. While the attack was confirmed by a U.S. official, its impact was still under assessment.
Additionally, on Thursday, the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria was hit by drones. U.S. troops have maintained a presence at this base for years, aiding Syrian allies and monitoring Islamic State militant activity. One drone was intercepted, but another struck the base, causing minor injuries.
The al-Tanf garrison’s strategic location on a vital road used by Iranian-backed militants to transport weapons to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon raises significant concerns for Israel’s security.
Furthermore, Syrian opposition activists reported a separate drone attack on an oil facility in eastern Syria, housing American troops. Explosions were confirmed at the site.
Earlier this week, militants launched three drones against two Iraq bases used by the U.S. for training and operations against the Islamic State. While one warning at al-Asad turned out to be a false alarm, it sent personnel into bunkers, resulting in the tragic death of a contractor due to a cardiac arrest, according to Ryder.
The Pentagon has not yet confirmed the responsible party behind these drone attacks but has asserted its commitment to defending U.S. and coalition forces against any threat. A military response will be determined according to the timing and manner deemed appropriate.
As for the intercepts carried out by the USS Carney, Ryder emphasized that the action was taken because the Houthi missiles had the potential to pose a threat, although the exact target is still being investigated. Importantly, no U.S. forces or civilians on the ground were injured during these intercepts.
It is worth noting that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have expressed support for the Palestinian cause and made threats against Israel. The situation in Yemen remains complex, with ongoing conflicts and regional implications.
In summary, the recent surge in attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria has raised concerns amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the volatile situation in the Middle East. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain prepared to respond to threats as necessary to safeguard U.S. interests in the region.
