Former CENTCOM Commander: Attacks on Iranian Proxy Forces Send a Clear Message

Retired General Frank McKenzie, former CENTCOM commander, states that U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia positions in Iraq and Syria are designed to send a clear message to Iran. In an interview with Florida's WFLA local television, he said, "The goal of these attacks is to prevent escalation of tensions and to show that the U.S. will not leave Iran's attacks unanswered." McKenzie added, "Iranian proxy groups conduct attacks against U.S. forces in the region as part of a broader mission led by Iran. These attacks are designed to absolve Iran of responsibility, but the U.S. knows Iran is behind them." He stated, "The attacks by Iranian-backed groups are aimed at driving the U.S. out of the region. The United States is present in the region to support Israel, and Iranian attacks could exacerbate the conflict in Gaza." While the conflict in the region is complicated for many reasons, McKenzie says Israel should focus on its primary mission. He states that Israel must continue to defend itself and strive for peace with its neighbors. The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced on November 21 that the U.S. Air Force conducted two new strikes against Iranian proxy targets in eastern Syria on Sunday evening local time. These strikes targeted a training center and a safe house near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadeen. The U.S. Department of Defense stated that these attacks were in response to ongoing attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. President previously stated that "there is no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today's action to make it clear that the U.S. will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests." These attacks are the latest U.S. actions to counter the activities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the region. The U.S. has repeatedly targeted Iranian-affiliated positions and forces in Iraq and Syria. Iranian proxy militants in Iraq: We attacked Israel's Eilat. CENTCOM released images of the U.S. airstrike on Iranian proxy positions in Syria. The difference between Palestinian supporters: Comparing the hardline positions of Turkey and Iranian proxy groups. Israel closed the office of the "Al-Mayadeen" network affiliated with Hezbollah. Another U.S. attack on positions of IRGC-affiliated forces in Syria. At least six Iranian-backed militants were killed in U.S. attacks in Syria. The Islamic Republic once again denied any involvement in the actions of its proxy groups. The Pentagon reported four new attacks by Iranian proxy forces on U.S. bases.