US troops in Iraq and Syria face reduced attacks from Iranian proxies
Iranian Proxies Cease Attacks on U.S. Forces in Iraq and Syria
The Department of Defense has reported that Iranian proxies have refrained from attacking U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria in recent days, marking a significant shift after a series of relentless assaults over the past few weeks.
Since October 17, American troops stationed in the region to ensure the lasting defeat of the Islamic State have faced a staggering 66 attacks, with 32 occurring in Iraq and 34 in Syria. However, there have been no further attacks since November 23, according to Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, Pentagon spokesman.
Protecting the Defenders
These attacks have left over 60 U.S. troops injured, with approximately half of them diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. Nevertheless, all of them have bravely returned to their duties.
In response to the relentless assaults, U.S. forces have launched defensive strikes against various facilities used by the Iranian proxy groups responsible for the attacks.
One notable incident occurred when proxy forces launched a close-range ballistic missile at the al Asad Air Base in Iraq, injuring eight individuals. In immediate retaliation, a U.S. AC-130 gunship targeted a vehicle carrying militia members, resulting in multiple casualties.
Deputy Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh explained, “The militants were targeted because the AC-130 was able to determine the point of origin from where the close-range ballistic missile was being fired upon — or fired to the base. So they were able to take action ’cause they saw the militants, they were able to keep an eye on the movement of these militants as they moved into their vehicles, and that’s why they were able to respond.”
Strategic Strikes
Aside from this incident, U.S. forces have conducted several other strikes against the proxies. These include targeting a training facility and a safe house on November 13, hitting a weapons storage facility on November 8, and striking a weapons storage facility and an ammunition storage area in Syria on October 26.
Officials from the Department of Defense assert that these strikes have significantly weakened the capabilities of the Iranian proxies. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are hopeful that these actions will prevent further escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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What are the implications of this ceasefire for the incoming Biden administration’s plans to re-engage with Iran diplomatically and potentially rejoin the Iran nuclear deal
Ttacks reported since November 17, indicating a possible change in the tactics and strategy of Iranian proxies in the region.
The ceasefire comes amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which have been strained since the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign, which includes economic sanctions and military actions, has severely impacted Iran’s economy and has led to increased tensions in the region.
The majority of the attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been carried out by Iranian-backed militias, such as Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH) and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH). These militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), were instrumental in the fight against the Islamic State and have since become a powerful and influential group in Iraq. They have strong ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and have been accused of carrying out attacks on U.S. forces in retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, in January 2020.
The sudden cessation of attacks by Iranian proxies raises questions about the motives behind this decision. Analysts suggest that it could be a strategic move by Iran to de-escalate tensions with the incoming Biden administration, which has expressed its intention to re-engage with Iran diplomatically and potentially rejoin the Iran nuclear deal. By refraining from further attacks, Iran may be signaling its willingness to negotiate and cooperate with the new U.S. administration.
Another possible reason for the ceasefire is a change in Iran’s priorities. The country is currently grappling with several internal crises, including economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and domestic unrest. Focusing on internal issues rather than escalating tensions with the U.S. may be a more pragmatic approach for Iran at this time.
However, it is important to approach this ceasefire with caution. Iran has a history of using proxies to carry out attacks while maintaining plausible deniability. The temporary cessation of attacks does not guarantee a long-term change in behavior, and the threats posed by Iranian proxies must continue to be monitored and addressed.
The U.S. response to this ceasefire has been cautious but hopeful. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has stated that the U.S. is committed to protecting its personnel and will respond appropriately to any threats. The Department of Defense, in coordination with the Iraqi and Syrian governments, will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of U.S. forces in the region.
The ceasefire between Iranian proxies and U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria provides a small glimmer of hope for de-escalation in the region. It is a positive step towards reducing tensions and creating an environment conducive to diplomatic negotiations. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and continue to address the root causes of the conflict to achieve long-term stability in the region. A sustainable resolution will require dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to finding common ground.
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