Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, attacks against the U.S. by Iran-linked entities have surged by 630%, according to a JINSA report. This uptick includes various malign actions targeting U.S. personnel and assets in the Middle East and showcases the impact of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict on U.S.-Iran relations. The Pentagon reported ongoing attacks, while U.S. forces have targeted Iranian militia positions in response.
A recent report by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals a staggering 630% surge in Iran-linked attacks against the United States since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. These malign actions encompass a range of incidents, including projectile strikes, maritime aggression, major cyber intrusions, and kidnappings. The escalation of hostilities follows a gradual increase in such attacks, which began after the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement in 2018 and intensified during President Biden’s administration. Following the recent conflicts sparked by the October 7 attack, Iran-backed groups have targeted U.S. personnel and military assets in Iraq, Syria, and maritime regions involving U.S. naval vessels and allies. JINSA’s report highlights that since October 17, around 204 incidents involving over 330 rockets, missiles, and drones have been launched at U.S. forces by these proxy groups. As tensions rose, Israeli military actions against Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies prompted a corresponding uptick in retaliatory measures against U.S. troops. Moreover, the report noted that militia groups in Syria have doubled their attacks on U.S. forces compared to prior months. The Pentagon has confirmed attacks by Iranian-supported Houthi fighters against U.S. naval vessels in the Bab al-Mandab strait, although no casualties or damage were reported from these incidents. In acknowledgment of the threats posed by Iranian proxies, U.S. forces continue to engage in counter-actions against Iranian-backed militants and their weapon supply lines.
The context of increased violence against U.S. forces by Iran-linked groups can be traced back to geopolitical tensions following America’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. This report underscores a significant shift in tactics employed by Iranian proxies following the attack on Israel, illustrating how local hostilities can influence broader regional dynamics. As Israel has increased its military offensives in response to threats from Hezbollah and Iranian forces, the proxy conflict appears to have expanded, thereby placing U.S. military personnel in the crosshairs as well.
In summary, the report from JINSA reveals a substantial rise in Iran-aligned attacks against the U.S. following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, highlighting a concerning trend in geopolitical aggression. The escalation in military actions by Iran proxies signifies a strategic response to regional conflicts and a clear intention to leverage proxy capabilities against U.S. interests in the Middle East. The evolving situation necessitates careful monitoring and strategic responses from the United States to ensure the safety of its forces and allies.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
