On Monday, a rocket attack targeted the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, injuring several US personnel stationed there. The Pentagon suspects that Iran-backed militia groups are responsible for the attack, which has heightened tensions in the Middle East. This incident comes amid a volatile situation involving recent violence between Israel and Iran, including the assassination of key figures. The US has recently increased its military presence in the region and continues to hold Iran-aligned groups accountable for attacks on American forces.
The Pentagon quickly pointed the finger at militia groups linked to Iran, calling this a “dangerous escalation”, reported CNN. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They both agreed that the attack was a serious increase in tension and showed Iran’s harmful influence in the region.
Austin assured Gallant that the US remains committed to supporting Israel against threats from Iran and its allied groups, including Hezbollah.
This attack happens at a time of high tension in the Middle East. The US is preparing for possible Iranian retaliation following the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. Israel has not commented on this assassination. Hezbollah, another group linked to Iran, has also promised revenge for the killing of one of its leaders in Beirut.
In response to these rising threats, the US recently sent more military resources to the Middle East, including a carrier strike group, fighter jets, and extra warships.
US officials have frequently blamed attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria on Iran-backed militias. After a recent drone attack on Al-Asad, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said it was “most likely” carried out by such groups.
Between October 17 and January 29, there were over 150 attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria. These attacks decreased after a US response to a drone strike that killed three American soldiers in Jordan. The US hit 85 targets in retaliation.
President Joe Biden stated, “The United States does not seek conflict, but if you harm an American, we will respond.”
