US Embassy hit by 7 mortars, causing explosions
Explosions Rock US Embassy After Building Hit by 7 Mortars
The U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad sustained minor damage on Friday when seven mortars landed in its compound. This attack, which Reuters described as the largest in recent memory, caused damage to an Iraqi security installation within the compound. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In addition to the attack on the embassy, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria were targeted with rockets and drones at three bases in Syria. Two attacks also occurred at the Ain al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in these incidents as well.
Baghdad – U.S. Embassy is under attack pic.twitter.com/hyxbtsDb6k
— RonEnglish (@RonEng1ish) December 8, 2023
These attacks mark the highest number of incidents against U.S. forces in the region in a single day since mid-October. According to a defense official, there have been at least 84 attacks on American installations in Iraq and Syria since October 17.
The commander of the Iraqi Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Abu Alaa al-Walae, expressed that the group rejects any talk of stopping or easing operations as long as there are ongoing “Zionist crimes” in Gaza and the American occupation in Iraq, as reported by CNN.
The State Department has designated this group as global terrorists.
As the Iraqi government vows to hunt down the attackers, a U.S. Embassy representative emphasized that they reserve the right to self-defense and to protect their personnel anywhere in the world.
The U.S. has diplomats in Baghdad and 2,500 troops in Iraq, working to assist local security forces and prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State.
How many attacks on American personnel and facilities by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria will be tolerated before we hold Iran accountable?
We have lost all deterrence as a nation when it comes to protecting our people throughout the world. The Biden Administration is…
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 8, 2023
Meanwhile, a new report in The New York Times reveals that Iran is planning to increase attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria. They are also strengthening the capabilities of Houthi rebels in Yemen to target American and Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
The Times, citing unnamed sources in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, states that the goal of these militia groups’ intensified attacks is to pressure Israel into ending its attacks on Hamas in Gaza.
Any attacks on US forces instigated by Iranian proxy militias in the Middle East must be seen as attacks by Iran on the United States and responded to accordingly.
— Jamie Metzl (@JamieMetzl) December 8, 2023
Nasser Imani, a political analyst in Tehran, believes that the Houthis in Yemen will pose a greater long-term threat to Israel than Hamas or even Hezbollah. He states that Iran considers them a major player and part of the collective strategy of the resistance axis.
John Kirby, a national security spokesman for the White House, warns that escalating attacks by the Houthis pose a risk of further widening and deepening the conflict.
However, controlling the Yemen-based Houthis may prove challenging. Ali Vaez, the Iran director of the International Crisis Group, explains that the Houthis are not only zealots but also have very little to lose. He emphasizes the risk of tensions spiraling out of control as the war continues.
The post Explosions Rock US Embassy After Building Hit by 7 Mortars appeared first on The Western Journal.
How has Iran’s use of proxies such as Kataib Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces impacted the targeting of U.S. personnel and facilities?
Their proxies, such as the Kataib Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces, in order to target U.S. personnel and facilities.
The recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy compound and U.S. forces in the region highlight the escalating tension between the United States and Iran. It is clear that Iran and its proxies are determined to challenge U.S. presence in Iraq and Syria.
The U.S. response to these attacks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the conflict. So far, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its perceived lack of deterrence. Senator Lindsey Graham voiced his concerns on Twitter, questioning how many attacks will be tolerated before holding Iran accountable and criticizing the Biden administration for failing to protect American personnel worldwide.
The U.S. Embassy representative reiterated the right to self-defense and to protect their personnel anywhere in the world. It is evident that the U.S. is committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel and will not hesitate to respond to any threat.
As the Iraqi government vows to hunt down the attackers, it is essential for both Iraq and the United States to work together to prevent further attacks. The presence of U.S. diplomats and troops in Iraq serves not only to assist local security forces but also to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State. Cooperation between the two countries is crucial in achieving stability and security in the region.
The situation in Iraq and Syria remains precarious, with Iran’s increasing aggression and determination to challenge U.S. presence. The international community must closely monitor the developments and support efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Ultimately, the recent attacks on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. forces emphasize the need for a strong and effective response. It is essential for the United States to reestablish its deterrence and ensure the safety of its personnel and facilities. The international community must stand in solidarity against any acts of aggression and support efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
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