US Forces in Syria and Iraq Face Continued Attacks from Iranian-Backed Militias

Despite Retaliatory Airstrikes, Attacks Persist Amid Warnings from Iran of 'Harsh Consequences'

US forces in Syria and Iraq have been attacked 57 times since mid-October, resulting in 59 service members being injured, primarily from traumatic brain injuries.
The attacks are believed to be carried out by Iranian-backed militias in response to US support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The US has responded with three rounds of airstrikes on facilities in Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iran-affiliated groups.
Despite the retaliatory strikes, attacks on US forces have continued, raising questions about the effectiveness of the US's deterrence strategy.
Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, warns of 'harsh consequences' if an immediate cease-fire doesn't take place in the Gaza Strip and the rapid attacks by the US and Israel continue.