Drone and Rocket Attacks Target International Coalition Bases in Iraq and Syria
A series of drone and rocket attacks targeted military bases in Iraq and Syria on Monday. These bases house forces of the international coalition against the Daesh group, also known as ISIS. The attacks were claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose formation of armed groups affiliated with the Hashed Al-Shaabi coalition. These groups strongly oppose US backing for Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The United States leads the international coalition in the fight against jihadists in Iraq and Syria. In recent weeks, these forces have faced repeated attacks. On Monday, a drone attack targeted the Ain Al-Asad air base in western Iraq. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported. In northeast Syria, several rockets were fired at a base in the Al-Shaddadi region.
Since October 17, there have been at least 92 attacks recorded in Iraq and Syria. These attacks began 10 days after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out. The escalation continued on Friday when rockets were fired at the American embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone for the first time since the Gaza war began. On the same day, multiple attacks targeted US troops and the international coalition in Syria and Iraq.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah Brigades issued a statement on Saturday, declaring that these attacks represent “new rules of engagement.” They vowed to continue until all American soldiers leave Iraq. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria as part of international efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has accused the Hezbollah Brigades and another pro-Iran group, Harakat Al-Nujaba, of being responsible for most of the attacks on coalition personnel. In response, the Pentagon has launched several strikes against fighters belonging to these groups in both Iraq and Syria.
The situation has escalated to the point where the US has made it clear that it reserves the right to act in self-defense against any attack on its personnel. The US has also called on Iraq’s security forces to track down those responsible for firing rockets at the American embassy.
The ongoing attacks highlight the complex dynamics in the region. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has triggered a wave of violence, with various groups taking advantage of the situation to further their own agendas. The pro-Iran groups in Iraq are using these attacks to express their opposition to US support for Israel.
The international coalition remains committed to its mission of combating terrorism in Iraq and Syria. However, the recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety of coalition forces and the stability of the region. It is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution and prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, the drone and rocket attacks on military bases in Iraq and Syria targeting the international coalition against ISIS are a cause for concern. These attacks, claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, are a response to US backing for Israel in its war against Hamas. The US has accused pro-Iran groups of being behind most of the attacks and has launched strikes in response. The situation highlights the complex dynamics in the region and the need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation.