Iran-Backed Attacks on US Troops in the Middle East Since October 7

Unmanned Drone Attack in Jordan Kills U.S. Service Members

An unmanned aerial drone strike in northeastern Jordan on Sunday resulted in the deaths of three U.S. service members and left dozens injured. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks orchestrated by Iran-aligned militia groups operating in Iraq and Syria.

These groups are opposed to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have reportedly claimed over 26,000 lives, and they view the United States as partially complicit. Since the onset of the conflict following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, U.S. troops in the region have faced over 150 attacks. Currently, around 2,500 U.S. service members are stationed in Iraq and about 900 in Syria, primarily to deter the resurgence of Islamic State militants.

Here’s a summary of key incidents since the outbreak of the conflict:

• October 18: U.S. forces in Iraq were targeted in two drone strikes. While one drone was intercepted, it nevertheless exploded, causing minor injuries and damage to equipment.

• October 19: In Syria, U.S. forces successfully brought down two drones aimed at them, resulting in some minor injuries. Additionally, two bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq were targeted by drones and rockets.

• October 26: An Iran-backed militia launched a drone at an air base, managing to breach U.S. air defenses and crash into a barracks occupied by American troops; however, it did not detonate. One service member sustained a concussion from the impact.

• November 17: U.S. troops in both Iraq and Syria faced three attacks. A drone assault in Syria resulted in an injury to a service member, who promptly returned to duty, while two attacks in Iraq caused no injuries or damage.

• November 23: In northeastern Syria, U.S. and international forces encountered four separate drone and rocket attacks within a 24-hour span, but there were no casualties, and damage was minimal.

• December 25: A drone attack in Iraq conducted by Iran-aligned militants left one U.S. service member in critical condition and injured two others.

• January 9: A U.S. air strike targeted a rocket launcher, thwarting an impending attack on an air base in Iraq.

• January 20: Four U.S. personnel sustained traumatic brain injuries after Iran-backed militias launched multiple ballistic missiles and rockets at an air base in Iraq.

These events underscore the escalating tension and the precarious situation for U.S. troops in the region.