Iran-backed armed groups has launched a retaliatory attack on US troops in Iraq shortly after Tehran accused Israel of a lethal strike on a Damascus building housing its elite forces. The assault on al-Assad Airbase in western Iraq involved multiple ballistic missiles and rockets, causing casualties, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
Despite interception attempts by the airbase’s defense systems, some projectiles hit the base. Tensions escalated further as Tehran vowed revenge against Israel for the strike on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria. The conflict’s widening scope includes Israeli and US attacks targeting Iran-linked groups, risking a broader regional conflict.
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Israel’s intensified offensive against Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon has raised concerns. Yemen’s Houthis, part of the “axis of resistance,” targeted Israel and ships in the Red Sea, aligning with Palestinians in Gaza. Jordan’s Foreign Minister warned of a serious escalation if Israel continues its attacks.
The situation is compounded by an Israeli drone strike in south Lebanon reportedly killing a Hezbollah member. Simultaneously, the US targeted a missile launched by the Houthis into the Red Sea. Analysts suggest Israel’s widening conflict aims to achieve unmet goals in Gaza, potentially escalating tensions.
Iran’s President Raisi vowed retaliation for the Damascus attack, blaming Israel. The strike killed IRGC members and an unspecified number of Syrian troops. Israel, silent on the matter, has been involved in similar strikes. Iranian officials affirmed their commitment to regional security despite the escalating hostilities.
In this volatile environment, there is a growing risk of a wider regional conflict, pitting Iran and its allies against Israel and the US. The international community watches closely as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
