US bolsters air defense against Iran attacks in Syria, Iraq – DOD
Qamishli, Syria (North Press) – In the wake of growing rocket and drone attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US troops in both Syria and Iraq, US has taken several measures with the aim to protect troops deploy in the Middle East, Pentagon deputy press secretary revealed on Tuesday.
The US sent “two aircraft carrier strike groups, dozens of fighter jets, and a ballistic missile submarine” to the Middle East in a step to curb Iran from expanding the war between Israel and Hamas, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said in a press briefing.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, following a cross-border attack by Hamas militants, a series of rocket and drone attacks have targeted US bases in Syria and Iraq. Most of these attacks were claimed by the so-called Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Singh added that the US intensifies air defense “in the region to help support and protect our service members, both in Iraq and Syria.”
On Oct. 31, Pentagon announced the deployment of 300 troops in the Middle East but did not specify where.
The Pentagon deputy press secretary noted that since Oct.7, the Iranian-backed militias have carried out at least 40 attacks (22 in Iraq and 18 in Syria), causing 46 US troops to be injured.
She stressed, “We decide to respond at a time and place of our choosing,” adding that the US is “incredibly strategic about when we decide to take kinetic action.”
On October 26, Pentagon carried out retaliatory strikes, targeting Iranian-backed militia facilities in Syria.