Published October 25,2023
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U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked no less than 10 separate occasions in Iraq and thrice in Syria between Oct. 17 – 24, the Pentagon stated Tuesday.
Spokesman Patrick Ryder instructed reporters that the U.S. will at all times keep the “inherent right of self-defense,” and any potential response to assaults on its forces in Iraq and Syria can be “at a time and place of our choosing.”
“We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime,” he stated, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces, and ultimately from Iran,” he stated.
“So, by virtue of our announcement over the weekend, we are preparing for this escalation both in terms of defending our forces and responding decisively,” he added.
U.S. Defense chief Lloyd Austin introduced Sunday the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and the dispatch of extra Patriot battalions to varied places within the area to bolster the presence of U.S. forces within the Middle East amid latest escalations.
Ryder famous that the deployment of the THAAD battery and extra Patriot battalions is underway.
The remarks got here amid a collection of rocket and drone assaults within the final week, towards navy bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken additionally warned Iran towards any assault on American personnel Tuesday throughout a UN Security Council session on Gaza, asserting that Washington would reply “decisively.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr