While the United States maintains unwavering support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, various pro-Iranian groups have initiated a series of assaults on American bases in the region. The most recent incident occurred on Monday, as the Al-Tanf base in Syria was struck in a drone attack, claimed by the pro-Iranian militia, Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
Located in Syria near the border with Iraq and Jordan, the Al-Tanf base has played a pivotal role since 2016 in the battle against the Islamic State, while simultaneously serving as a training ground for Syrian opposition factions allied with Washington. The base previously sustained significant damage during assaults on October 17 and 18, resulting in the injury of 21 American soldiers.
According to the Pentagon, US and allied forces were the targets of at least 27 drone attacks in Syria and Iraq last month, with a minimum of 9 of these incidents occurring in Syria. These attacks have notably escalated following Washington’s support of Israel following Hamas’s attack on October 7.
On October 25, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, accused the United States of “directing” Israeli operations against Gaza. In response, President Joe Biden issued a clear warning, stating, “My message to the Ayatollah is that if Iran continues to act against our troops, we will retaliate, and they need to be prepared. This has nothing to do with Israel.”
In response to the escalating threat, the United States conducted strikes against two facilities used by the Revolutionary Guards and “affiliated groups” in eastern Syria on October 26. The possibility of further escalation remains if American bases continue to be targeted.
To counter the threat posed by the Islamic State, the United States sustains several military installations in the region. Presently, they have deployed around 900 soldiers in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq. In response to the heightened risks, the Pentagon has unveiled plans to dispatch an additional 300 soldiers, reinforcing their military presence and serving as a deterrent against any further attacks on their bases.
