US Bases In Iraq and Syria Attacked 41 Times

By Tiffany Williams –

Since the October 7 attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, the Department of Defense says it has “Organized efforts in the Middle East along four lines of effort, including protecting U.S. forces and interests in the region, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, coordinating with Israel on hostage recovery efforts, and containing the ongoing conflict to Gaza.”

In 1997, Hamas was designated by the Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization. The DOD said Thursday, “Hamas is responsible for the abhorrent terrorist attack in Israel. And Israel is executing military operations to ensure that Hamas is never again able to perpetuate a terrorist attack like it did in October.”

Iran-backed militia groups the Department of Defense on Thursday said. “Have attacked U.S. bases and facilities in Iraq and Syria 41 times.

DOD said “The U.S. has defended itself against those attacks and will continue to do so.”

U.S. force enhancements in the Middle East, the DOD said, “Include recently deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot missile defense systems, additional fighter squadrons, two carrier strike groups, and an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, Stroul said.”

2,000 U.S. military personnel and a range of units were on a heightened state of readiness, The DOD confirmed again Thursday that some have already deployed. The DOD said Thursday, “Demonstrate our commitment to Israel’s security, to regional stability, and to deterring those who seek to widen this conflict. It also bolsters the department’s ability to respond quickly to the evolving security environment.”

The DOD said its commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism is “ironclad,” and it is working daily to help Israel do that.

“We are working around-the-clock to determine which munitions and equipment from U.S. inventory can quickly be made available,” the DOD said. “Air defense is a high priority, as are medical supplies, artillery, ammunition and precision-guided munitions. Deliveries are taking place on a near daily basis.”

Since the initial attack, DOD said Hamas has been using civilians as human shields, has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid, and continues to hold at least 200 civilians.