U.S. forces are gearing up for a more aggressive response against Iran-backed proxies in the Middle East following a drone attack on a Jordanian base that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. soldiers and left over 40 others wounded. Defense Secretary Austin emphasized the need to strip away even more capability from these proxies, citing the over 165 attacks on U.S. forces since mid-October of last year. He also downplayed a statement by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, announcing a suspension of military operations against the U.S., stating that actions speak louder than words. Austin expressed that such gestures are insufficient in light of the recent deadly attack in Jordan and vowed to hold those responsible accountable while diminishing their capabilities moving forward. The U.S. government, including the White House and the State Department, is planning a multi-tiered response that is likely to involve multiple military strikes. Previous U.S. responses primarily targeted sites and storage facilities rather than militia personnel, leading some critics to voice concerns about the militias having time to prepare. However, Austin dismissed reports of militias evacuating bases and training facilities, asserting that the U.S. possesses superior capabilities and will do whatever is necessary to protect its troops and interests. Addressing ongoing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, Austin urged Iran to stop supplying the Houthis with advanced conventional weapons, deeming it a matter of international concern. Despite warnings and strikes on Houthi facilities and missile launch locations, there has been no halt to the nearly 40 attacks on international shipping since mid-November. Most recently, a Houthi naval drone carrying explosives was destroyed by U.S. forces in the Red Sea, averting a threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. Additionally, the Houthis fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the M/V Koi cargo ship, but both missiles missed their target and landed in the water. In January, the U.S. designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
U.S. forces are planning to increase their attacks on Iran-backed proxies in the Middle East following a deadly drone attack on a base in Jordan. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. will hold those responsible accountable and continue to dismantle their capabilities. The response is expected to involve multiple military strikes. Concerns have been raised about the militias’ preparation time, but Austin dismissed these worries and emphasized the U.S.’s superior capabilities. He also called upon Iran to stop supplying advanced weapons to Houthi militants in Yemen, who have carried out numerous attacks on international shipping. The U.S. recently destroyed a Houthi naval drone and intercepted two anti-ship ballistic missiles.
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