Wave of Attacks on U.S. Troops in Iraq and Syria Leaves 24 Injured
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At least 24 U.S. troops were injured in a series of attacks on their bases in Iraq and Syria over the past week, with one incident resulting in injuries to 20 personnel, officials revealed on Tuesday. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of American service members in the region, particularly as Israel gears up for a ground offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Biden administration had initially withheld details about the attacks, but has now acknowledged the heightened risk faced by U.S. troops in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict. Hamas, which has ties to Iran, receives weapons and training from the country, leading to fears that other militant groups supported by Tehran may also intensify their targeting of American personnel.
The most significant of these recent attacks occurred on October 18 at the al-Tanf Garrison in southeastern Syria. Multiple one-way drones targeted the base, causing “minor injuries” to 20 troops, according to U.S. military officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. However, all affected personnel have since returned to duty.
On the same day, multiple drones were launched against U.S. and coalition forces in two separate attacks on Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq. Four individuals suffered “minor injuries” but were able to resume their duties. Unfortunately, a hangar housing small aircraft was destroyed in one of the attacks.
Tragically, a U.S. citizen working as a contractor died on the same day after suffering cardiac arrest when an early warning system detected another possible threat approaching the base. The incident underscores the dangers faced by both military personnel and civilians in the region.
Further attacks took place on October 19, with rocket strikes reported at three installations: Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria, Ain al-Asad Air Base, and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center in Iraq. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage to any infrastructure during these incidents.
The attacks continued over the following three days, with additional drone attacks targeting unoccupied areas in Bashur, Iraq, as well as Ain al-Asad and al-Tanf once again.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, stated earlier on Tuesday that there have been a total of 13 attacks over the past week, with 10 in Iraq and three in Syria. He assured reporters that U.S. Central Command is compiling a comprehensive list of these attacks for public record and will release it as soon as possible.
Recent reports from NBC News initially brought attention to the number of injured American personnel.
Currently, there are approximately 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and 900 in Syria. Their main objective is to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State militant group. Ryder emphasized that the militias responsible for these attacks are supported by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States since 2019.
Ryder further warned that there is a potential for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel in the region, both from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran itself.
The safety and security of American troops remains a top priority for the Biden administration, and efforts are underway to ensure their protection in this volatile region.