The Pentagon has sounded the alarm on a dramatic increase in attacks on US troops stationed in the Middle East, with the US military taking action to safeguard its personnel.
The surge in hostilities comes as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the region in an effort to address escalating tensions.
Growing Attacks on US Troops
According to Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, there have been 38 rocket and drone attacks targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. This is a concerning increase above the 31 attacks that were recorded a few days ago. 46 service members have been injured as a result of these acts, which are being called harassing.
While the Pentagon did not attribute the attacks to a specific source, they have previously blamed similar events on Iran-backed proxies. Sunday proved to be particularly violent, with multiple rocket and drone strikes near Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and two locations in Syria.
The US military managed to intercept most of the attacks, preventing the majority of missiles and drones from reaching their intended targets. The increase in hostilities coincided with Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the region, where he received briefings on threats to American troops and condemned the attacks as unacceptable.
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Military Response to Escalating Threats
In response to the escalating security concerns, the Pentagon announced various military movements in the region. The U.S. Navy showcased the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike groups conducting exercises alongside two Italian frigates in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, a bomber task force was deployed to the region.
Furthermore, the Defense Department disclosed the deployment of an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine to the area on Sunday, indicating a strategic shift aimed at enhancing deterrence efforts in the region.
It’s important to note that all 46 service members who sustained injuries were wounded during attacks that occurred before the U.S. retaliatory airstrikes on October 26. Many reported their injuries in the days and weeks following the initial assaults.
The injuries primarily resulted from attacks on Al Asad in Iraq and the Al Tanf garrison in Syria on October 17 and 18, with an additional service member injured in an incident in Erbil, Iraq, on October 26. The situation in the Middle East remains complex and volatile, and the U.S. military is committed to safeguarding its personnel and interests in the region.
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