US Military Bases in Syria and Iraq Targeted by Drones

In a concerning development, a pair of US military bases in Syria were targeted by drones this week, raising concerns of Iran-backed proxies using the Israel-Hamas conflict as an opportunity to strike at American forces. The first attack occurred on Thursday at the al-Tanf garrison, located near Syria's borders with Iraq and Jordan. Two anonymous US officials disclosed to the Associated Press that one drone was destroyed by US forces, but another caused minor injuries. The al-Tanf base is strategically located in an area frequently used by Iran-backed militants to transport weapons to Hezbollah, a terrorist group that has engaged in several clashes with Israel across the Lebanon border during the ongoing conflict.

The second drone attack targeted the Conoco gas field in the Deir al-Zor region of eastern Syria, where American troops are stationed, according to Syrian opposition activists. Rami Abdurrahman from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that five explosions were heard at the Conoco gas field. Omar Abu Layla, an activist based in Germany who leads the Deir Ezzor 24 news outlet, reported that three drones loaded with explosives targeted the facility. These attacks highlight the vulnerability of US forces in the region.

Iran-backed militant groups also launched several drone strikes against US forces stationed in Iraq this week. US Central Command reported that on Wednesday, three drones were intercepted near US and Coalition forces in western Iraq, with one being destroyed and another causing minor injuries. In a separate incident at the al-Harir airbase in northern Iraq, a third drone was engaged and destroyed by US forces, resulting in no injuries or damage.

The Tashkil al-Waritheen militia claimed responsibility for the second attack, warning of further operations against the "American occupation." The group is part of the Iran-backed coalition of militias known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. Ahmed Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, the leader of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, also issued a warning of possible future strikes against US bases using various means, including rockets, drones, and special forces.

Furthermore, the New York Times revealed that Iran has been collaborating with Hezbollah and Hamas since 2022 to train Palestinian terrorists. This collaboration raises concerns about the involvement of these groups in the surprise attack launched by Hamas on Israel on October 7.

On the same day as the drone attacks in Iraq, a US military base in Syria was also targeted. Although there is no official confirmation or details regarding the attack, an undisclosed number of drones were reported to have targeted the base. Additionally, Lebanon's Iran-aligned Al Mayadeen TV reported that two US military bases in Syria were attacked, with a missile targeting the Conoco base in the Deir al-Zor region.

The US Central Command later confirmed the drone attacks, stating that two drones targeted the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, resulting in minor injuries among coalition forces. Another drone targeted a base in northern Iraq. The impact of these attacks on operations is currently being assessed.

The US currently has approximately 900 forces in Syria and 2,500 troops in Iraq. The officials involved in the investigation did not disclose the responsible party operating the drones.

These drone attacks come in the wake of a blast at Gaza City's Al-Ahli Hospital, which reportedly killed hundreds of civilians and heightened tensions in the region. Hamas immediately blamed the explosion on an Israeli airstrike, leading to condemnation of what was believed to be a strike on a civilian target. However, the Israeli Defense Forces provided evidence, including surveillance photos, videos of the explosion, and internal audio between Hamas operatives, suggesting that a misfired rocket from Palestinian terrorists caused the explosion. President Biden also reiterated his support for Israel during his visit to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, citing US intelligence that exonerated Israel.

Fox News journalists Liz Friden, Chris Pandolfo, Danielle Wallace, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.