In the wake of recent drone attacks on Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq’s Anbar province, which houses US personnel, the United States has announced a series of measures to reinforce its presence in the Middle East.
The attacks, believed to be orchestrated by Iran-backed militia groups, come amid escalating tensions in the region.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement on Saturday, revealing additional steps taken to bolster the Department of Defense’s posture in response to the recent surge in activities by Iran and its proxies.
The measures include redirecting a carrier strike group to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility and deploying additional forces to various locations across the region.
The move is described as part of “regional deterrence efforts” aimed at enhancing the protection of US forces and defending Israel. Among the additional forces deployed are a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and Patriot battalions.
CENTCOM confirmed that two separate drone strikes targeted its bases in Iraq, resulting in minor injuries. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported three drone attacks on the Al-Tanf garrison in Syria’s Homs province, housing US troops.
Iran-backed militias have issued warnings to the US, stating that American forces in Iraq would be considered “legitimate targets” if Washington intervenes in the Israel-Gaza conflict. A group identifying itself as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the recent drone attacks and rocket strikes.
On Saturday, the group claimed to have targeted Ain al-Assad airbase once again with drones, asserting that they hit their intended targets. Additionally, they claimed to have targeted US forces near Erbil International Airport. Rudaw English sought confirmation from the US-led coalition regarding Saturday’s attack, but no response was available at the time of reporting.
American military bases in Iraq and Syria have faced repeated threats from rocket attacks and explosive-laden drones, particularly following the US-led assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the head of the IRGC’s elite Quds Force, and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad in January 2020. These attacks are often attributed to pro-Iran militia groups.
Against this backdrop, Iraq’s political leaders have strongly criticized Israel for its actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a significant loss of life.
