US Forces Under Intensified Drone and Rocket Attacks Amid Widening Middle East Conflict

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria responsible for over 40 attacks on US forces, with risk of major strike growing amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

US forces stationed in the Middle East have undergone a minimum of 40 drone and rocket attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria in the past three weeks, triggered by American support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza war.
A drone launched by an Iranian-backed militia at the Erbil air base narrowly missed causing major damage by failing to detonate its explosive load, however, the threat of a major attack that could instigate a larger conflict remains.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to suppress the militias, however, efforts made to discourage the assaults or persuade Iran to control the groups have been unsuccessful, raising the risk of escalation.
President Joe Biden's strategy has been cautious, focusing on limited involvement in the conflict and ensuring military aid for Israel, but his critics argue this inadequate response has encouraged the continued targeting of US forces.
As the risks grow in the Middle East, the US has bolstered defenses and increased security measures at military bases in anticipation of a serious attack, deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups and an Ohio-class submarine to the region.