Title: Warning of Possible Conflict in the Middle East as US Deploys Forces Amid Israel-Hamas War
Subtitle: Forty years after one of the deadliest attacks against US troops in the Middle East, concerns rise over escalating tensions in the region
Beirut, October 25, 2023 (AP) – Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, there is growing concern that the United States could be on the brink of another conflict in the Middle East, reminiscent of the deadly attack on American troops 40 years ago. The deployment of US forces in the region, particularly the positioning of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the eastern Mediterranean alongside other American warships, is seen as a clear message to Iran and Hezbollah to avoid opening new fronts as Israel fights Hamas.
On October 23, 1983, a suicide bomber targeted an American military barracks at Beirut International Airport, resulting in the loss of 241 US service members, predominantly Marines, making it the deadliest attack on Marines since World War II. The attack was attributed to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, although they deny responsibility. At the time, US and French forces were in Beirut as part of a multinational force overseeing the withdrawal of Palestinian fighters and supporting a Western-backed government.
The recent war between Israel and Hamas has heightened tensions between the US and Iran, potentially escalating into a wider regional conflict. The greatest concern lies along the Lebanon-Israel border, where daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah continue. However, there are other areas where the US could potentially become directly involved in the fighting. With approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq and another 900 in eastern Syria, both countries are home to Iranian-backed militias that have already targeted American forces since the start of the conflict in Gaza.
In light of these developments, a Hezbollah supporter named Haj Mohammed posted a video on TikTok, drawing a parallel between the 1983 barracks bombing and the present-day situation. The man expressed concerns over US troops potentially returning home in coffins and questioned whether President Joe Biden had informed the commanders of the warships and aircraft carriers about the historical incident.
Iran-backed groups have also issued threats against the US if it aligns itself with Israel in the war. A top Hezbollah official, Hachem Safieddine, stated that there are tens of thousands of fighters in the region “whose fingers are on the trigger.” Similarly, the commander of Iraq’s Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Abu Alaa al-Walae, warned that American forces in the region would become legitimate targets for resistance fighters if the US intervenes directly in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Since Wednesday, there have been multiple attacks involving suicide drones and rockets targeting bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria, with Iranian-backed militias either claiming responsibility or being blamed for the assaults. Moreover, a US Navy warship intercepted three missiles and several drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen, intended for potential targets in Israel.
American forces could also face danger if Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza and appears close to destroying Hamas. An Iranian-backed official cautioned that if Israel seeks a complete defeat of Hamas, Iranian allies may ignite conflict throughout the Middle East as a response.
Despite these alarming developments, experts believe that an all-out regional war that would directly involve the US and Iran remains improbable. Analysts suggest that neither side desires a confrontation and continue to communicate their intentions to each other. However, the situation could quickly change if Israel’s army enters Gaza and appears poised to defeat Hamas, cautioning against underestimating the capabilities of Iran and its allies.
Reflecting on the historical precedent set by the 1983 barracks bombing, concerns are raised over the effectiveness of the US forces deployed by the Biden administration to intimidate and deter local actors in the current crisis. While Iran and its allies also face risk, they possess significant capabilities that could potentially be used against US targets across the region.
As tensions persist and the Israel-Hamas war shows no signs of abating, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have warned of the potential escalation of attacks on American personnel and armed forces throughout the region. President Biden himself has issued a clear message to Israel’s enemies, urging them not to take advantage of the situation.
In this volatile environment, the international community remains on high alert, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
## Read more:
– [AP’s coverage](link-to-coverage)