MORE U.S. MILITARY IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOLLOWING ASSASSINATIONS
Year after year, conflicts new and old that involve the United States continue to affect the Middle East. Having the U.S. military in the Middle East helps America fight terrorists. However, we’ve also been involved for many other complex reasons for many decades. Now, as tensions rise due to fighting between Iranian-backed groups and our ally Israel, the United States is upping its attention and force in the region. This is to prepare for the worst.
Is the US Military Still in the Middle East?
The U.S. military in the Middle East has been a constant for many reasons over the decades, starting with the 1958 invasion of Lebanon. American troops have been involved in wars with Iraq, fighting and occupying Afghanistan, and battling various terrorist groups. Most notably, U.S. military action in the Middle East has focused on post-9/11 responses involving multiple terrorist organizations. The U.S. has both invaded countries and operated with the permission of local governments, depending on the conflict in question. Within the region, America can find plenty of key allies. This is while still facing multiple states and organizations that are either rivals or flat-out enemies of the United States. In Iraq and Syria, you'll find U.S. troops fighting Islamic State militants and helping local forces develop better skills, maintain security, and topple militant groups. However, the U.S. military also faces attacks from Iran-backed forces in the region. In Israel, the only foreign bases are American, including a missile warning radar on Mt. Keren. There is also a notable U.S. military presence in the Middle East based in Jordan. This is a key ally that conducts extensive exercises each year. Furthermore, Tower 22 is a base in northeastern Jordan where a drone attack killed three Army Reservists the United States believes was struck by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Kataib Hezbollah. In Qatar and the UAE, U.S. troops provide security, training, and readiness for regional operations, further highlighting the presence of the American Armed Forces in the area.
Recent Involvements by the U.S. Military in the Middle East
Since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, U.S. military involvement in the Middle East has been elevated. Many were looking towards conflicts in Europe, Asia, and Africa, all still pressing issues, once Operation Allies Refuge would see American troops pulling out of Afghanistan. However, Israel has been under constant threat from Iranian-backed groups in the region for its response to the Hamas attack and continued assault on Palestine. Furthermore, with various forms of air support along with increased naval support in the Red Sea, America is busy stopping missiles, drones, and things from escalating. Fighting continues and the U.S. is expected to become even more involved in the area as tensions have risen even higher following the assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas political leader, and Fuad Shukr, a commander for Hezbollah.
Anticipating Iranian Retaliation for Assassinations
In light of the assassinations, more American presence and involvement is expected. American leaders have sent a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and even more warships in the region. It’s expected that a wave of missiles and drones is all but inevitable. The Pentagon is hoping that sending such firepower to the region will help protect Israel and American bases. They also hope to keep fighting from spreading throughout the Middle East. In addition to the increase of the U.S. military in the Middle East, Israelis are stocking up on essential goods. Furthermore, travel warnings are elevated, and air travel continues to be canceled in the area. All eyes are on what will happen. This response has the potential to be more widespread and complex than others in the past. Though the reasons continue to evolve, with this much tension, having the U.S. military in the Middle East looks to remain a constant that has a growing history understood all too well stateside and overseas. Suggested reads: