Militia Attacks Against U.S. Bases in Iraq and Syria Risk a Direct U.S.-Iranian Conflict

Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid an unannounced visit to Baghdad this past Sunday and delivered a message to entities that threaten U.S. personnel in the region and globally.

“I’ve been very clear that attacks, threats, coming from militia that are aligned to the rounds are totally unacceptable,” Blinken stated.

“We will take every necessary step to protect our people. We’re not looking for conflict with Iran. We’ve made that very clear, but we’ll do what’s necessary to protect our personnel.”

Over the past two weeks, the Pentagon has reported a total of 31 attacks on U.S. installations in Iraq and Syria. These attacks are seen as a response by Iranian-backed militias to U.S. support for Israel since it came under assault by Hamas on October 7. At least 21 troops have been injured in these attacks, according to the Pentagon.

Since the “Black Sabbath”, the day Hamas massacred hundreds of Israelis, the U.S. has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups, totaling roughly 12 ships, along with approximately 1,200 additional soldiers and enhanced air defense systems throughout the Middle East.