Washington Responds to Attacks on US Bases Linked to Iran-backed Militias

Over the past 10 days, U.S. military bases in eastern Syria and western Iraq have been targeted by rockets and drones in a series of attacks, resulting in over 20 U.S. personnel being injured, although none seriously. A civilian contractor also died due to a cardiac arrest. In response to these escalating assaults, U.S. President Joe Biden promised action if the attacks continued. On Thursday, after more attacks, the U.S. launched airstrikes, using F-16 jets to target a warehouse and bunker reportedly containing weapons linked to the groups responsible. No casualties were reported in the strikes.

While the previously unknown Islamic Resistance of Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attacks, experts suggest this may be a cover for a network of Iran-backed groups operating in Syria and Iraq. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has historically been involved in supporting these groups, although there is no direct evidence tying Tehran to the attacks.

The U.S. military’s actions are part of a broader strategy to safeguard its personnel, particularly the 900 soldiers stationed in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, as they work to combat ISIS. The strikes are also a message to Iran, aiming to deter further proxy attacks and prevent an escalation of violence in the region. U.S. defense officials, including Secretary Lloyd Austin, have emphasized that continued attacks on U.S. forces will lead to further retaliatory measures.

In a broader context, the U.S. aims to prevent Iran from escalating tensions, particularly with Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia in Lebanon, and to protect its military assets across the Middle East, especially as the Gaza conflict continues to draw attention to regional security dynamics.