US boosts forces in Middle East following Iran attacks in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – In response to a spate of attacks on the US bases deployed in Syria by Iranian-backed militias, the US announced on Friday boosting its military forces in the Middle East.
Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Phil Ventura revealed that a squadron of A-10 attack aircraft are deploying to the region ahead of a scheduled deployment following the attacks in Syria.
The US ordered a carrier strike group to remain in the region to support US forces in Central Command, which covers the Middle East, and a squadron of A-10 attack aircraft to the region, Ventura said.
“We are committed to supporting the defeat-ISIS mission alongside a global coalition in Syria and prepared to respond to a range of contingencies in the Middle East if needed,” Ventura said in a statement.
He said that the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group will remain in the Mediterranean Sea under US European Command, but it will support US forces in the Middle East in the event of contingency plans and operations.
“These actions demonstrate the United States’ ability to rapidly reposition forces across the globe and underscores that all necessary measures will be taken to defend U.S. forces,” Ventura said.
On March 23, a US contractor was killed, and five other service members and another contractor were wounded when a suspected Iranian drone struck a facility on a base of the US-led Global Coalition in northeast Syria, the Pentagon said.
In response, the US Central Command attacked with “precision airstrikes” against facilities in eastern Syria used by militias affiliated with IRGC, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
Thirteen militants of the Iranian militias were killed and wounded, sources told North Press.
Following the US retaliatory strikes, the Iranian-backed militant in Syria launched a series of additional attacks on US troops based at Conoco and the Green Village in northeast Syria.
“Iran threatens to push the Middle East into regional instability by supporting terrorist and proxy forces,” said Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley in his opening remarks at the House Armed Services committee on March 29.
On March 24, US President Joe Biden, while on a visit to Canada, pledged to “act forcefully” to protect his troops against Iranian-backed attacks.
Biden stressed that the US “does not seek conflict with Iran but is prepared to act forcefully to protect our people.”
There are roughly 900 US troops are involved in aerial surveillance, coordinating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), civilian aid provision, tribal engagement, as well as medical evacuations of SDF troops in northeast Syria