Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq have claimed responsibility for a targeted attack on United States forces stationed at the al-Tanf military base in southern Syria.
Militia groups have already launched drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, as per Express.
US Warns of Potential Escalation by Iran-Backed Militias
US Military Police stand 04 March 2003 at the entrance of a US Patriot anti-missile battery base set up overnight in Jaffa, south of Tel Aviv. Israel has now deployed at least seven US and Germany Patriot batteries around the country, forming a second layer of defense dealing with tactical ballistic missiles after the Arrow system which intercepts missiles entering the atmosphere, in case of an Iraqi attack in response to a US-led strike on Iraq.
However, the United States now possesses specific intelligence, indicating that these groups may intensify their actions as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists. According to a US regional official, numerous red lights are flashing everywhere.
Based on officials, it seems that Iran is currently encouraging the groups rather than explicitly directing them. Iran is offering guidance to militia groups, assuring them that they will not face consequences such as being denied weapon resupplies if they persist in attacking US or Israeli targets.
On Monday, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, expressed concern over the potential escalation of attacks in the coming days. He also highlighted the direct connection between these groups and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
A senior defense official expressed the same concern. The official stated that there is a possibility of a significant increase in attacks against US forces and personnel soon. And let's clarify this.
The road leads back to Iran. Iran provides funding, weaponry, equipment, and training to various militias and proxy forces throughout the region. Iran supports various proxy militia groups in countries throughout the region through the IRGC-Quds Force.
However, Tehran only sometimes has complete control over these groups. One source has pointed out a persistent intelligence gap regarding the extent to which those groups are willing to act independently.
Kirby stated, "We are aware that Iran is closely observing these events and, in certain instances, actively aiding attacks and encouraging others who may seek to take advantage of the conflict for their benefit."
Iran aims to maintain plausible deniability, but we will not permit them to do so, according to CNN.
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Biden's Gaza Ceasefire Condition
US President Joe Biden has expressed his willingness to support a ceasefire in Gaza on the condition that Hamas releases the hostages. When asked about the possibility of the US supporting a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, Mr. Biden responded by stating that it is vital to first secure the release of the hostages before engaging in any discussions.
Biden is facing pressure from confident Democrats and a group of influential Hollywood A-listers, including Mark Ruffalo, urging him to support a ceasefire in the region. US officials have confirmed that the Pentagon will support the Israeli military. However, they have clarified that the IDF will make operational decisions exclusively.
During a news conference in Tehran on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed his views on the situation in the Middle East. He compared the region to a "powder keg."
Amir-Abdollahian made these remarks alongside his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor. Abdollahian cautioned that any miscalculation in perpetuating genocide and forced displacement could result in significant and negative consequences within the region and for the parties involved, namely the US and Israel.
The Iranian foreign minister issued a warning to both the US and Israel, expressing concern that if immediate action is not taken to halt crimes against humanity, there is a risk of the situation in the region spiraling out of contro, The Telegraph via MSN reported.
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