US military ready to strike Tehran’s proxies ‘at a time and place of our choosing’
(Reuters/Alaa Al-Marjani)
According to the Pentagon, Iran-backed forces have launched 23 attacks on American positions and allies in the Middle East over the past two weeks. The US military has made it clear that they will respond to these attacks “at a time and place of our choosing, and we’re going to continue to do so.”
Since October 17, following Hamas’s aggression towards Israel, Iranian terror forces have carried out 14 attacks on American assets in Iraq and 9 in Syria. These attacks involved one-way attack drones and rockets, as revealed by a senior Defense Department official during a press briefing.
In response to these strikes, the US military conducted airstrikes on Iranian positions in Syria last Thursday. The official stated that American forces will continue to target Tehran’s proxy groups as they see fit. The Pentagon believes that Iran is deliberately targeting American forces, posing a threat of dragging the United States into a larger regional conflict.
Speaking on background, the Defense Department official emphasized, “It’s about Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who utilize infrastructure, militants, and proxies across the Middle East, including Iraq and Syria. We retain the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing, and we will continue to do so.”
The official further clarified, “Let me be clear: we will continue to respond when the president deems it necessary for the protection of US forces.”
Since the Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,400 casualties, Iran’s allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have escalated their terrorist activities. These activities include rocket fire and shelling on Israel from areas in Syria and Lebanon where Hezbollah forces are stationed.
In Iraq, Iran’s assets have also increased their attacks on American forces, leading to the US military’s response last week.
The Pentagon also revealed that Hamas militants are using hospitals and other civilian structures to carry out their terrorist operations against Israel.
Accusations have arisen that the Israeli military is intentionally targeting innocent civilians during their operations in the Gaza Strip. These claims have been amplified by anti-Israel US lawmakers such as Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.). However, the Pentagon has evidence indicating that Hamas is using civilian structures as command centers.
The official stated, “What I would say about Hamas is their use of civilian structures for command-and-control facilities and to hide weapons. There is ample public reporting on how Hamas employs civilians as human shields and uses civilian structures to conceal tunnels and weapons.”
This includes “Hamas’s use of hospitals to establish command-and-control infrastructure or store weapons that can be used against Israeli civilians.”
As of Monday afternoon, the Pentagon has no plans to assist American citizens in the region with “military-assisted departures.”
How have recent attacks by proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Popular Mobilization Forces threatened US interests and allies in the region?
Se proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Popular Mobilization Forces, among others, to destabilize the region and threaten US interests and allies. We will not tolerate these attacks and will respond forcefully.”
The recent attacks on American positions and allies have raised concerns about the escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The US military has been closely monitoring Iran’s activities in the region and has identified a pattern of aggressive behavior. The attacks on American assets in Iraq and Syria are part of Iran’s broader strategy to exert its influence and challenge US presence in the Middle East.
The US response, in the form of airstrikes on Iranian positions in Syria, sends a clear message that the United States will not hesitate to protect its forces and allies. These targeted strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s capabilities and disrupt its nefarious activities. While the US military is prepared to defend itself, it also hopes to deter further aggression from Tehran and its proxies.
However, it is important to note that the US is not seeking an all-out war with Iran. The airstrikes conducted by the US military were a calculated and proportionate response to the attacks on American positions. The goal is to compel Iran to reconsider its aggressive actions and prevent further escalation.
The Pentagon recognizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region. In addition to military actions, the US is working to build a coalition of international partners to pressure Iran diplomatically and economically. This multifaceted strategy aims to curb Iran’s influence and ensure the safety and security of American forces and allies in the Middle East.
The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran underscore the volatile nature of the region and the complexities of the geopolitical landscape. The United States remains committed to ensuring regional stability and the safety of its personnel. It will continue to monitor Iran’s actions closely and respond resolutely to any threats.
In conclusion, the US military is ready and prepared to strike Tehran’s proxies “at a time and place of our choosing.” The recent attacks on American positions and allies have necessitated a robust response to protect US interests and deter further aggression. While the US is not seeking war, it will not hesitate to defend itself and its allies. Through a combination of military, diplomatic, and economic measures, the United States aims to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities and maintain regional stability.
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