
Recent attacks by Iran-backed militias have raised concerns at the Pentagon regarding the safety of U.S. troops stationed in the region. The Department of Defense has confirmed that there have been over 160 attacks since October 17th of last year, with more than 50 occurring just this month. Despite efforts to deter these attacks, including statements from top U.S. officials, the situation has escalated, spreading beyond the Red Sea into neighboring countries like Jordan.
In response to these ongoing attacks, the Department of Defense is contemplating whether to review and alter its policies in order to effectively deter Iran-backed militias from causing harm to American troops. The final decision lies with President Biden, who has been frequently consulting his national security team on the matter. The Department has emphasized its commitment to responding to these attacks but maintains that the timing and manner of the response will be determined strategically.