Title: Increase in Drone Attacks on U.S. Troops in the Middle East Prompts Additional Force Protection Measures
Date: [Current Date]
In a recent development, the Pentagon has announced that two more drones have been shot down by U.S. troops near al-Tanf garrison in Syria. This brings the total number of confirmed attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria to four in the past week.
The surge in attacks on American troops comes as the U.S. strategically moves its assets to support Israel in its ongoing conflict against Hamas and to deter potential attacks from other combatants in the region. As a result, attempts to strike U.S. troops in the vicinity have sharply increased.
A senior military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that U.S. troops have been subject to an increased number of attacks over the past three days at various locations throughout the U.S. Central Command. Recognizing the need for additional force protection measures, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered a comprehensive response.
While the Pentagon is currently compiling a complete list of recent attacks to share, the U.S. has deployed two carrier strike groups, along with an amphibious ready group consisting of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, several Air Force fighters have been relocated to the region, and an additional 2,000 troops are on 24-hour prepare-to-deploy orders.
Although the initial objective of these movements was to deter further attacks on Israel, they have now become part of a larger effort to protect U.S. troops already stationed in the region, including 2,500 personnel in Iraq and another 900 in Syria, for counter-ISIS missions.
To enhance force protection, Defense Secretary Austin has authorized the activation of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and deployed additional Patriot missile air defense battalions to locations in the U.S. Central Command.
A senior defense official warned that there is a potential for a significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the near term, with Iran being the key player responsible for funding, arming, equipping, and training militias and proxy forces across the region.
While U.S. troops in the U.S. Central Command have experienced occasional drone strikes in recent years, the past week has seen a marked increase in such attacks. Earlier this year, one U.S. contractor was killed during a similar surge in attacks, prompting a retaliatory strike by U.S. forces. However, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will take the same action this time.
The senior defense official emphasized the inherent right of self-defense and reiterated the commitment to protect U.S. forces and interests overseas, asserting that any response by the U.S. will be executed at a time and manner of their choosing.
As the situation unfolds, U.S. military officials continue to monitor and assess the evolving threat landscape, with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of American troops deployed in the region.
Meghann Myers, Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times, contributed to this report. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership, and other issues impacting service members.