U.S. Forces Face Growing Drone and Rocket Attacks in Iraq and Syria

U.S. Forces Face Growing Drone and Rocket Attacks in Iraq and Syria

U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been facing an increasing number of drone and rocket attacks in recent days, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. According to Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder, there have been at least 27 attacks targeting U.S. forces, with seven of them occurring after the U.S. struck two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The retaliatory strikes by the U.S. were a response to earlier attacks on American personnel, aimed at protecting and defending U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that the strikes were carefully targeted and narrowly tailored. Fortunately, none of the attacks carried out since the U.S. strikes on Friday have resulted in casualties or damage, according to defense officials.

The most recent attack occurred on Monday, where al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq was targeted using multiple one-way attack drones. Another attack involved rockets being fired at al-Asad, along with U.S. and coalition forces at two locations in eastern Syria. U.S. officials also revealed that a one-way attack drone was used against U.S. forces near al-Shaddadi on Sunday.

In response to these mounting attacks, the Pentagon is deploying an additional 300 troops to bolster U.S. force protection capabilities and support regional deterrence efforts in the Middle East region. It is important to note that these troops will not be going to Israel, clarified Ryder.

Blaming Iranian-backed militias for the attacks, the U.S. holds Iran responsible for supporting these groups. The ongoing attacks suggest that Iran’s objective has long been to force a withdrawal of U.S. military presence from the region. Defense Secretary Austin asserted that if the attacks do not cease, the United States will respond at a time and place of its choosing.

The recent escalation has raised concerns about the potential for further significant escalation from Iranian proxy groups. The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, warned that spill-over into Syria has already begun, posing a significant risk.

To enhance force protection, approximately 1,200 troops are either deployed or in the process of deploying from the United States to the Middle East. This includes crucial assets like a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, Patriot batteries, and Avenger batteries.

With tensions rising and attacks on U.S. forces increasing, the situation in Iraq and Syria remains highly volatile. The United States continues to uphold its right to defend itself, its personnel, and its interests, but the question of how these attacks will impact U.S. deterrence efforts remains unanswered.