CENTCOM: Strengthening American Forces in the Middle East is 'Demonstrating Resolve in Action'

According to reports, a new coalition of militias supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran has been involved in a series of attacks against American forces stationed in Iraq and Syria amid the Israel-Hamas war. The Associated Press reported that a group called 'Islamic Resistance in Iraq' announced on Friday, November 3, that it would begin a 'more intense and extensive' phase of operations against American bases in the region starting next week. The group's statement indicated that the escalation of tensions is 'in support of our people in [Palestinian areas] and avenging the martyrs' in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In recent weeks, this group has carried out a series of attacks on American bases in Iraq and Syria, some of which have resulted in injuries to American forces. According to the Pentagon, as of Tuesday, November 7, there have been 27 missile and drone attacks on American bases in Iraq and Syria, and the United States is deploying an additional 300 troops to the Middle East to bolster its forces. Attacks on American forces in the Middle East have increased following the Israel-Hamas war, raising the risk of escalating conflict in the region. Newsweek quoted a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, stating, 'Regarding Iran, the strengthening of U.S. forces is to demonstrate our resolve in action, not just in words, in support of Israel's right to defend itself and as a deterrent warning to Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and any other proxy groups in the region that may be considering taking advantage of the current situation to escalate conflict.' Senior American officials, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have warned about the Islamic Republic of Iran's efforts to expand the Israel-Hamas war and attack American forces in the region. Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, in an interview with ABC News aired on Sunday, November 7, stated that the U.S. will continue to respond to attacks from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy groups. In response to a question about the Islamic Republic's attacks on American soldiers stationed in the Middle East, he reiterated that, as President Biden has previously stated, 'we will respond to the attacks from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups.' Sullivan noted that he believes Iranian officials understand the U.S. message regarding this matter and 'of course, we are taking all necessary actions to protect our forces, increase our vigilance, and cooperate with other countries in the region to prevent the current conflict between Israel and [Palestinian militants in] Gaza from escalating into a regional conflict.' This senior Biden administration diplomat added, 'But the threat is real, and therefore, vigilance is high, and our steps to deter it and prevent [its occurrence] are serious, systematic, and ongoing.' Since the onset of Hamas's attack in collaboration with Islamic Jihad militants on Israel on October 7, which left at least 1,400 dead and over 200 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly, attacks on American forces in the region have increased. The U.S., Canada, the UK, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Israel, and several other countries have designated Islamic Jihad and Hamas as terrorist organizations. Previously, the use of Iranian-made weapons by militia groups in various parts of the Middle East has been reported multiple times. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Jordanian army also stated on Sunday, November 8, that the country has requested the U.S. to deploy Patriot air defense systems in Jordan. According to Reuters, the Jordanian army spokesperson told the country's state television, 'We have requested the American side to assist in strengthening our defense system with Patriot air defense missile systems.'