American forces’ Navy destroyer intercepted three missiles and several drones launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Western officials are cautioning about the real threat of regional “spillover” from the Israel-Hamas conflict, as the American forces faces increasing risks in the region. American bases in Iraq and Syria have been repeatedly targeted with drone attacks.
EU warns of “spillover” from Israel conflict.
According to security sources speaking to Reuters news agency, Ain al-Asad Airbase, hosting American and other international forces in western Iraq, was targeted on Thursday evening by drones and missiles. Several explosions were reportedly heard inside the base. The Iraqi military stated that they have closed off the area surrounding the base and initiated a search operation. It is not clear yet if there were casualties or damages in the attacks.
On Thursday, a drone was targeted American forces in Syria, resulting in minor injuries, while another was shot down. Last week, the destroyer USS Carney thwarted three land attacks, including cruise missiles and several drones, launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen. A Pentagon spokesperson said the missiles were “presumably” headed toward Israel, but the U.S. has not fully assessed their intended targets. Carney’s action likely represents the first shots fired in defense of Israel by the American military in this conflict.
President Joe Biden has deployed naval power in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, other warships, and nearly 2,000 sailors, amid growing regional tensions. Washington remains vigilant due to increased activities by Iran-backed groups amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Iraqi armed factions with ties to Iran had previously threatened to target American interests with missiles and drones if Washington supported Israel against Hamas in Gaza.
Protest against American forces spillover in the region
On Thursday, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, warned that the risk of regional escalation from the Israel-Hamas conflict is “real.” Speaking at the Hudson Institute in Washington, von der Leyen emphasized the need for continued dialogue between Israel and its neighbors. She stated, “We have seen roads in the Arab world filled with anger. So, the threat of regional spillover is real. Iran, the protector of Hamas, just wants to fuel lawlessness.”
The United States has approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq, supporting local forces in the fight against ISIS, and more than 900 troops in neighboring Syria, where it took control of several areas in 2014. Tensions have been high in Iraq regarding the Gaza conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the country’s top Shia Muslim cleric, criticized Israel last week and called for international intervention against the “horrific brutality” in Gaza.
Kata’ib Hezbollah, a powerful armed group with close ties to Iran, accused Israel of supporting “the killing of innocent people” and demanded its withdrawal from Iraq. In recent years, Iran-backed militias in Iraq have regularly targeted the American forces. Such attacks had decreased under the ceasefire agreement last year, and relative calm was prevailing in Iraq.