The US Vows To Hold Iran Responsible for Base Attacks
Pentagon Confirms Its Stance in a Press Briefing
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October 25, 2023
U.S. troops positioned in the Middle East have faced a series of attacks in recent days, with a total of 14 incidents reported, resulting in 24 injuries, according to Pentagon officials, Politico reported on October 24. The attacks, which involved a combination of one-way drones and rockets, targeted troops stationed in Iraq and Syria.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed on Tuesday that troops in Iraq had been attacked 11 times between October 17 and 24, while troops in Syria faced three attacks during the same period. Pentagon officials have attributed these attacks to Iran, although there is currently no evidence linking the country's leaders to the incidents.
The Central Command (CENTCOM) has reviewed a list of these attacks, which indicates a total of eight incidents. However, the specific locations of the additional five attacks remain unclear as CENTCOM has not yet released this information.
One of the attacks targeted the al-Asad air base in Iraq on Tuesday, where Iran proxy forces fired a rocket. Fortunately, the rocket was intercepted, and no injuries or damages were reported. This base had also been attacked on October 18 when U.S. forces engaged two drones. One of the drones was destroyed, while the second sustained damage. Four individuals were injured during this incident, and the base suffered some damage.
In a separate incident, a contractor experienced a heart attack as a result of earlier warnings for an attack that ultimately did not occur.
During a press briefing, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense, emphasized that the attacks bear "Iranian fingerprints all over." However, he clarified that there is currently no evidence linking the attacks directly to Iran's leadership.
These attacks on U.S. troops come against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The United States has been engaged in a series of confrontations with Iran, including the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January and subsequent retaliatory missile strikes by Iran on U.S. bases in Iraq.
The U.S. military has increased its presence in the region in response to these tensions, with additional troops deployed to deter potential threats. As the situation continues to unfold, U.S. officials will be closely monitoring developments and working to ensure the safety and security of American forces in the Middle East.