US base attacked in Iraq hours after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran-backed armed groups launched a targeted assault on US troops in Iraq mere hours after Tehran pledged retaliation and accused Israel of orchestrating a deadly attack on a base housing its elite forces in Damascus, Syria.
The attack, directed at al-Assad Airbase in western Iraq, resulted in at least one Iraqi casualty and potential American casualties, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday.
The assault involved multiple ballistic missiles and rockets fired by Iranian-backed militants, the majority of which were intercepted by the air defense systems at al-Assad Airbase. However, some projectiles managed to impact the base, intensifying concerns of a broader regional conflict. The attack occurred following Tehran’s commitment to revenge against Israel for its strike on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria.
The surge in attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria has coincided with Israel’s military offensive, which commenced on October 7 and received backing from Washington. Israel’s expanded strikes against Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon have fueled tensions, with the Yemeni Houthis, aligned with the “axis of resistance,” launching attacks towards Israel and targeting Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has expressed apprehension about the escalating conflict, warning of potential serious consequences if Israel continues to broaden its attacks, potentially involving the West.
The increased Israeli and US actions targeting Iran-linked groups pose a significant risk of triggering a regional conflict, setting Iran and its allies against Israel and the United States. In a parallel development, an Israeli drone strike in south Lebanon reportedly claimed the life of a Hezbollah member, escalating hostilities.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi vowed retaliation for the Damascus attack that killed five IRGC members, holding Israel responsible. The conflict dynamics are further complicated by the US military’s recent strikes against the Houthis and Israel’s attempts to counter potential attacks from Iran and its allies in the region.
As tensions mount, the risk of a wider war looms, with various actors engaging in tit-for-tat strikes and military maneuvers. The situation remains highly volatile, demanding close international attention and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
