Iranian-backed militias launched a rocket strike against U.S.-led coalition forces in Syria on April 21. The attack marks the first time since February 4 that Iran has attacked a U.S. facility in Iraq or Syria. No personnel were injured. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the strike.
On Monday, Iraqi authorities said they were searching for “outlaw elements” who launched an estimated five missiles from Iraq into Syria late Sunday night. The missiles targeted Kharab al-Jir, a U.S. base in Syria.
Also on Monday, a U.S. official said American forces had shot down two drones near al-Asad Air Base in Iraq.
From October to February, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias—the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq”—launched regular drone attacks. The strikes focused on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. The group said the attacks were revenge for U.S. support of Israel in the war in Gaza. The intent was to compel American forces to withdraw from Iraq.
In late January, a strike on a base in Jordan killed three U.S. soldiers. The deaths prompted U.S. strikes against Iraq. One in central Baghdad killed a militia commander. Afterward, the anti-United States attacks halted.
Experts are not certain why they have begun again.
The Israel-Hamas war is now in its seventh month. The war was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. The ensuing conflict has devastated Gaza’s two largest cities and left a swath of destruction. Around 80% of the territory’s people have fled their homes to other parts of the besieged coastal enclave. Experts say that famine is likely in Gaza and many people are already starving.
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a $26 billion Gaza aid package on Saturday. It includes around $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, as well as billions of dollars for Israel. The U.S. Senate could pass the package as soon as Tuesday. President Joe Biden has promised to sign it immediately.
The war sparked regional unrest. It has pitted Israel and the United States against Iran and allied militant groups across the Middle East. Israel and Iran traded fire directly this month, raising fears of all-out war.
Israel is also in a back-and-forth battle with terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The two sides have traded fire on a near-daily basis along the border since the start of the war in Gaza. Hezbollah says it is acting in solidarity with Hamas.
Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel on Monday from Lebanon. That action came at the start of Passover, a major Jewish holiday. Israel fired return strikes.
Hezbollah claims the attack was in response to recent Israeli strikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed. — Matthew 24:6
