The Islamic Resistance of Iraq released a statement on Friday claiming responsibility for two attacks on American bases, including the Kharab al-Jir base located in north-eastern Syria and a target in Umm Rashash, also known as Eilat, which is located in southern Israel.
Sabereen News, which is closely affiliated with the group, published the statements. They reported that the group utilized a missile salvo that “hit its targets directly” against the Kharab al-Jir base; however, the group did not clarify the means of attacking the target in Eilat.
This is the most recent confirmed attack launched by Islamic militia forces targeting U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq. Attacks on U.S. forces have been increasing due to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US Forces Strike Back at Iranian Proxies:
The Department of Defense released a statement in which they announced that United States forces targeted two facilities in eastern Syria operated by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups.
The DoD made it clear in their statement that the US will not pull back any resistance against Iranian proxies, saying in a statement that “we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people.”
The DoD also made it clear that the strikes “are separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and do not constitute a shift in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict,” they said in a statement. “We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.”
Causalities from the Strikes:
The United States Central Command told NBC last Tuesday that, as of the 18th, 24 U.S. personnel were wounded in attacks orchestrated by Iran-backed militia groups. The agency told the news outlet that on October 18, 20 American personnel sustained “minor injuries” during an attack at al-Tanf garrison in Syria. Militants utilized two explosive drones, and while one was intercepted by the base’s defense systems, another struck its target. CENTCOM stated that the base suffered no damage from the successful drone, however.
Four other Americans were wounded in two more attacks on the al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. Both drones were intercepted by the base’s defense systems; however, one aircraft hangar was destroyed during the attacks.
One American contractor died during the strikes; however, both CENTCOM and the Department of Defense stated he died of cardiac arrest unrelated to the Islamic Resistance’s attack.
The statement regarding Kharab al-Jir:
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Permission has been granted to those who fight because they have been wronged, and indeed God has power over their victory. The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted the American occupation base, “Kharab al-Jir,” in northeastern Syria, with a missile salvo, hitting its targets directly.”
The statement regarding Umm Rashash, Eilat:
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Permission has been granted to those who fight because they have been wronged, and indeed God has power over their victory. In support of our people in Gaza and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against Palestinian civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq this morning targeted a target in Umm Rashash, occupied Eilat. The Islamic Resistance confirms its continued destruction of enemy strongholds. And the matter is only from God. Indeed, God is Mighty, All-Wise.”
