Esper says US retaliation strikes against Iranian proxies in Syria not ‘forceful enough’
The Military’s Response to Iranian Proxies’ Attacks on U.S. Forces in Syria and Iraq Deemed Inadequate
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has criticized the military’s handling of attacks carried out by Iranian proxies against U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq. Despite being in the region to ensure the lasting defeat of the Islamic State, U.S. troops have faced over 60 attacks in the past month, resulting in injuries to approximately 60 soldiers. However, the military’s airstrikes against the proxies’ facilities have failed to deter further attacks.
Urgent Need for Stronger Action
Esper believes that the response from the United States has not been forceful or frequent enough to achieve deterrence. He argues that a more forceful approach is necessary to compel the militias and proxies to back down. While the Pentagon defends its current responses, Esper urges the U.S. to carry out more strikes and target a broader range of facilities beyond ammunition and weapons storage.
Pentagon’s Defense and Continued Response
The Pentagon, however, maintains that its attacks have significantly degraded the militias’ access to weapons. Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh emphasizes that the U.S. is not waiting for further damage before responding and will act at a time and place of its choosing if more attacks occur.
Designation of Responsible Militia Groups
The U.S. State Department has designated Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS) and its Secretary General Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Additionally, the Treasury Department is designating six individuals affiliated with Kata’ib Hizballah (KH), an Iran-aligned militia group based in Iraq.
Targeting Iran and Other Terrorist Organizations
Esper suggests that the military should also target Iran due to its support for proxy groups and other terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. He emphasizes the need for a more forceful response, both in terms of frequency and impact.
Context of the Conflict
The attacks between Iranian proxies and U.S. troops coincide with the U.S. bolstering its military presence in the Middle East to support Israel. Tehran has criticized Israel’s war against Hamas and the U.S.’s backing of it but has refrained from direct involvement. Esper warns that Hezbollah may escalate the conflict by launching rockets and missiles from southern Lebanon into Israel.
Source: The Washington Examiner
How can targeting the leadership of Iranian proxy groups contribute to halting their attacks effectively?
This inadequate response sends a message of weakness and emboldens the Iranian proxies to continue their attacks. The attacks not only pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of U.S. troops, but they also undermine the stability and security of the region.
One major concern highlighted by Esper is the failure to target the leadership of these Iranian proxy groups. Without striking at the heart of these organizations, the military’s efforts to halt their attacks are bound to fall short. It is crucial to dismantle their command structure and disrupt their ability to plan and execute attacks effectively.
Furthermore, Esper emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the Iranian proxy threat. The current piecemeal approach of responding to attacks as they occur is not enough. The United States must develop a proactive plan that combines diplomatic, economic, and military measures to weaken and ultimately neutralize these proxies.
In addition to a stronger military response, Esper advocates for increased intelligence sharing and coordination with regional allies. The United States should work closely with countries in the region, such as Iraq and Syria, to gather intelligence on the activities of Iranian proxies and coordinate joint operations to counter their threats. By doing so, the United States can leverage the expertise and resources of these local partners to effectively respond to and preempt future attacks.
Esper’s criticism echoes concerns raised by other military and security experts, who argue that the current approach is not achieving the desired outcome. It is apparent that a more assertive and proactive response is needed to deter Iranian proxies from targeting U.S. forces and destabilizing the region.
Moreover, the Iranian proxy threat extends beyond its attacks on U.S. forces. These proxies also pose a significant challenge to the stability of local governments in Syria and Iraq. Their continued presence and influence undermine the efforts of these countries to establish security and rebuild after years of conflict.
It is imperative for the United States, together with its allies, to address this threat comprehensively and decisively. Failure to do so not only risks the lives of U.S. troops but also compromises the progress made in the fight against the Islamic State and overall regional stability.
In conclusion, the military’s response to Iranian proxies’ attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq has been deemed inadequate by former Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Urgent action is needed to strengthen the response and deter further attacks. This entails targeting the leadership of these proxy groups, developing a comprehensive strategy, increasing intelligence sharing and coordination with regional allies, and adopting a more proactive approach. Failure to address this threat comprehensively jeopardizes the safety of U.S. forces and undermines regional stability.
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