WASHINGTON: In the past month alone, American forces deployed in Iraq and Syria have faced a staggering 55 attacks, causing minor injuries to dozens of US troops, according to the Pentagon’s announcement on Tuesday.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that since October 17, there have been 27 attacks against US forces in Iraq and 28 in Syria, with a total of 59 American personnel reported injured.
Washington has responded with strikes on sites in Syria. Despite these actions, drone and rocket attacks persist, posing an ongoing threat to US military personnel.
The escalation in attacks is reportedly connected to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, initiated by a surprise cross-border attack by the Palestinians from Gaza on October 7. The US swiftly provided military aid to Israel in the aftermath of the attack, enabling Israel to launch a sustained air, land, and naval assault on Hamas-controlled Gaza. The toll from this assault, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry, exceeds 11,300 deaths, triggering widespread anger in the Middle East.
This surge in anti-American attacks is seen as a response to the US support for Israel and its military actions in the region. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria, part of the ongoing efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Daesh group.
The Daesh, once held significant territory in both countries, were pushed back by local ground forces supported by international air strikes during a protracted and bloody conflict.
The situation underscores the complex and interconnected dynamics in the region, with geopolitical events impacting the security and stability of US forces deployed in Iraq and Syria.
