Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as the conflict between Hamas and Israel spills over into neighboring regions.
There have been concerns that Iran or Lebanese militias might become involved in the conflict to target Israel.
However, it has recently come to light that the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, where U.S. troops are stationed, was struck by two drone attacks. The responsible party for these drone strikes remains unclear.
According to reports from Fox News, the base, which hosts U.S. and international forces, was targeted by drones and rockets.
Multiple explosions were heard inside the base, and it is not immediately clear if there were casualties or damages.
#Breaking News: The US Military has intercepted two drone attacks on bases holding US troops in Iraq. The Iraqi militia, which is backed by Iran, has taken credit for the attack. They also claimed they’d launch another attack.
It’s obvious now that Joe Biden and his… pic.twitter.com/9ASYkWckWt— 🇺🇸Travis🇺🇸 (@Travis_in_Flint) October 18, 2023
The Iraqi military closed off the area around the base and initiated a search operation. Notably, these attacks occurred around the time when President Biden was delivering an address from the Oval Office, raising questions about their timing and possible intentions.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the attack on the Iraq military base wasn’t the only one. There was another attack on a southern Syrian base that also housed U.S. troops.
ABC News reports that one drone was shot down in this incident, while another caused minor injuries. These attacks follow a series of recent drone strikes against U.S. and coalition bases in Iraq, likely related to the unrest in the region following an explosion at a Gaza hospital.
“Two U.S. officials tell The Associated Press that a military base in southern Syria where U.S. troops have maintained a presence to train forces as part of a broad campaign against the Islamic State group was attacked by drones on Thursday,” ABC News reported.
“Syrian opposition activists also said Thursday a drone attack was conducted on an oil facility in eastern Syria that houses American troops. Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, said three drones with explosives struck the Conoco gas field in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour that borders Iraq,” the report added.
The al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria is a strategically sensitive location often used by Iranian-backed militants to transport weapons to Hezbollah.
Furthermore, Syrian opposition activists mentioned a drone attack on an oil facility in eastern Syria, which houses American troops.
The situation remains fluid, and investigations are ongoing to determine the responsible parties behind these attacks.
