Recent reports indicate a significant surge in attacks against the U.S. by Iran-linked actors, with a staggering 630% increase in malign acts since the Hamas terror attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. These attacks, which include projectile strikes, maritime aggression, cyber intrusions, kidnappings, and terrorist acts, have been on the rise since the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.
Following the attack on Israel in October 2023 and subsequent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, Iran-backed groups have intensified their assaults not only on Israel but also on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, as well as targeting U.S. naval vessels in Yemen.
According to a report by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria have launched over 200 attacks involving rockets, missiles, and drones against U.S. personnel since October 17, 2023.
Militia groups in Syria have more than doubled their attacks on U.S. personnel in recent incidents, while Iran-backed groups have also increased their assaults on U.S. troops in neighboring nations. These strikes are attributed to organizations like the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which comprises various terrorist groups.
Recent attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen targeted U.S. destroyers, while Iran-proxy groups carried out additional assaults in northeast Syria. The Pentagon confirmed these attacks but stated that no damage or injuries were reported.
In response, the U.S. has been targeting weapons facilities and militant locations to degrade the capabilities of Iranian-backed groups and prevent future attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in the region.
Security experts suggest that the escalating tensions could lead to increased conflict in Iraq and Syria between Israel and Iran-backed militias. Iran's strategy of using proxies to target Israel aims to avoid direct retaliation on Iranian soil.
Israel has also faced a surge in attacks, with Iran launching ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs at the country. Hezbollah, Iran's proxy, has fired thousands of projectiles at Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes by Israel in Iraq and Syria.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region as tensions continue to escalate.
