46 US troops injured in attacks on US bases in Iraq, Syria – Pentagon
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Forty-six US troops have been injured in drone attacks on bases in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters on Monday.
Although the injuries are considered minor, and the troops quickly returned to duty, Ryder said, adding there is a concern about potential traumatic brain injuries as symptoms may take days or even weeks to surface following a blast.
While the October 17 and 18 attacks remain the only incidents resulting in US casualties, the overall number of attacks since then has reached 38, with eight occurring over the recent weekend.
Most of the attacks on US bases have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is a coalition of Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Defense Department officials have noted a rise in attacks on troops in the Middle East, particularly amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
During a briefing on November 2, Ryder acknowledged the tensions in the region and the potential exploitation of the situation by Iranian proxy groups.
In response to the escalating security concerns, the Pentagon carried out retaliatory strikes on October 26, targeting Iran-backed militia facilities in Syria.
To address the overall security challenges and ensure force protection for US troops, the US has taken several measures. This includes positioning two carrier strike groups in the eastern Mediterranean, and deploying an Ohio-class submarine in the Middle East. Furthermore, on October 31, the Pentagon announced the deployment of 300 troops in the Middle East but did not specify where.