Militias linked to Iran launched at least 10 attacks on American forces across the Middle East Friday and Saturday, increasing the tempo of hostility that grew after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. The attack also comes after rebels in Yemen stated that they would attack ships traveling to or from Israel in the Red Sea.
Attacks on Americans in the region included mortar rounds fired at the U.S. embassy complex Friday.
There were also attacks on American troops in Iraq and Syria, including two in the latter and five in the former. There have been a number of other attacks on Americans in the region just in the last several days.
Currently, the United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq. The Iraqi government said that it would crack down on foreign militias, who have asserted their position in the last several months.
Overall, there have now been more than 100 attacks on American military targets in the Middle East since the war began.
The United States has launched several retaliatory missions against militia groups since the attacks began. Furthermore, Israel has struck several targets it believes are tied with Iran, including in Syria.
10th attack on US forces at 15:15 pm EST Bashar Air Base NE Iraq. US official: "Definitely an escalation."
Al Asad Air Base, Iraq – 2
Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria – 1
US Embassy Baghdad – 1
Rumalyn Landing Zone, Syria – 2
Patrol Base Shaddadi, Syria – 1
Erbil, Iraq – 2— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) December 8, 2023
Last week, Houthi rebels launched several attacks against at least three civilian merchant vessels in the Red Sea and launched projectiles at a U.S. Navy vessel.
Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the rebels have also fired rockets and drones at Israel, some of which have been shot down by the U.S. Navy.
Furthermore, rebels hijacked a ship tied to an Israeli businessman and an Iranian-made drone struck another merchant ship tied to Israel.
The French Navy announced Saturday that one of its frigates shot down two drones launched from Yemen.
The Houthi rebels, like the militias across the region and Hamas, are backed by Iran. Yemen is currently engaged in a bitter civil war between the Houthi rebels and the internationally-recognized government.
