U.S. Troops in Middle East Face Repeated Attacks on Secret Bases
U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have been targeted in a series of attacks in recent weeks, highlighting the vulnerability of American bases in the region. The most recent attack occurred on Monday when a rocket struck al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, injuring five U.S. military personnel and contractors. These strikes mark a resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran’s proxies in the Middle East that had subsided earlier this year.
The attacks on U.S. bases have raised concerns about the safety of American troops in the region. Since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October last year, Iranian proxy forces have launched numerous attacks on these sites, resulting in the deaths or injuries of at least 145 U.S. personnel. These attacks have taken place in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, with the latter triggering a series of retaliatory U.S. counterattacks against Iranian-allied targets.
Despite the frequency of these attacks, the Pentagon has refused to disclose the locations of its bases in the Middle East, citing operational security and the reluctance of host nations to acknowledge the presence of U.S. troops. However, an investigation by The Intercept has identified more than 60 U.S. bases in the region, ranging from small combat outposts to large air bases. At least 14 of these bases have been targeted in recent years, resulting in casualties among U.S. troops and contractors.
The secrecy surrounding these bases has allowed the Pentagon to avoid accountability for a range of issues. U.S. outposts in the Middle East have been plagued by incidents of sexual assault and theft of military equipment by militias and criminal gangs. Exclusive documents obtained by The Intercept reveal that sensitive weapons and equipment, including guided missile launch systems and drones, have been stolen from these bases without any public acknowledgment from the Pentagon.
The attacks on U.S. bases have been attributed to Iranian-backed militias seeking to pressure the U.S. to withdraw its troops from the region. These attacks intensified following the killing of Iranian General Qassim Suleimani in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020. While the U.S. claimed no casualties in the retaliatory missile strikes by Iran, it later admitted that there were 109 U.S. casualties.
The ongoing presence of U.S. troops in the Middle East has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that the military deployments have little strategic value for the American people and expose U.S. personnel to unnecessary risks. The Intercept’s investigation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability regarding U.S. bases in the region.
Despite the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, there are still over 30,000 U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East, according to Pentagon figures. These troops are deployed in countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, where they support various operations, including counterterrorism efforts and the defense of regional allies.
In response to recent threats from Iran and its proxies, the Pentagon has announced plans to deploy additional combat aircraft and warships to the Middle East. The U.S. is also sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the region. These measures aim to ensure the readiness of U.S. forces and to support Israel’s defense against potential attacks.
Despite the ongoing attacks on U.S. bases and the risks faced by American troops, the Pentagon has remained tight-lipped about the situation. Requests for updated information about the attacks have gone unanswered, leaving many questions unanswered about the safety and security of U.S. forces in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East highlight the vulnerability of American troops in the region. The secrecy surrounding these bases has allowed the Pentagon to avoid accountability for a range of issues, including sexual assault and theft of military equipment. Greater transparency and accountability are needed to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel and to address the concerns raised by advocacy groups.