The United States has faced an increased risk of attacks on its forces in the Middle East due to the ongoing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Sunday.
"We're concerned about a potential escalation. In fact, what we're seeing is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region," Austin said in an interview with media.
He also recalled the recent drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria.
"We're going to do what's necessary to make sure our troops are in a good position, and they're protected, and that we have the ability to respond," Austin added.
US Orders Evacuation of Embassy Staff in Baghdad Over Security Threats
Furthermore, the United States has ordered evacuation of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad in connection with the increased security concerns in the region, the Department of State said.
"The @StateDept updated its Travel Advisory for Iraq on October 20, 2023, following the ordered departure of eligible family members and non-emergency US government personnel from US Embassy Baghdad @USEmbBaghdad and US Consulate General Erbil @USCGERBIL due to increased security threats against US personnel and interests," the department said on X.
Earlier this week, fighters of Shiite armed groups belonging to the Islamic Resistance of Iraq movement attacked the US military base Al-Asad in Iraq. According to media, several missiles were fired at the base. In addition, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq fired drones at the American base Al-Tanf in Syria on Thursday.
Moreover, the situation in the Middle East is already exacerbated by the events in Israel and Palestine. Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7, with troops from the Hamas movement infiltrating the border areas. The next day, the Israeli government announced a state of war. Moreover, Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people, cutting off supplies of water, food and fuel.
The escalation of the conflict has resulted in thousands of people killed and injured on both sides.