Categories: World

More than 20 US service members injured in drone and rocket attacks in the Middle East in just one week

close Video

We need to stop funding Iran: Sen. Ron Johnson

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., discusses the threat of Iran and how the United States and Israel should handle the country on ‘Your World.’

Drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East have injured more than 20 American soldiers in the past week alone.

The full extent of the injuries was not immediately clear. A defense official said several of the service members suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) but have all returned to duty. The U.S. has reported more than a dozen attacks on its bases in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17.

The attacks come amid rising tensions as Iran and its terror group proxies threaten to join Hamas in the war against Israel. Pentagon officials said Monday that all the attacks on U.S. troops have Iran’s fingerprints on them, though there is no evidence at this time showing the country’s leaders ordered the attacks.

The U.S. is currently conducting live-fire exercises in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. Navy has also deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean in a clear threat to Iran.

IRAN-BACKED MILITIAS IN IRAQ CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACK ON US MILITARY BASE IN SYRIA

Drone and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East have injured more than 20 American service members in the past week alone.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Gerald R. Ford are in the region to deter Iran from intervening in Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas.

DRONE STRIKES TARGET US MILITARY BASES IN SYRIA, IRAQ AS REGIONAL TENSIONS FROM ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR ESCALATE

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier this week that the U.S. expects Iran or its proxies to seek opportunities to escalate the Israel-Hamas war.

“This is not what we want, not what we’re looking for. We don’t want escalation,” Blinken said in a Sunday statement. “We don’t want to see our forces or our personnel come under fire. But if that happens, we’re ready for it.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier this week that the U.S. expects Iran or its proxies to seek opportunities to escalate the Israel-Hamas war. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Austin added: “What we’re seeing is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region. We’re going to do what’s necessary to make sure that our troops are in that position and they were protected and that we have the ability to respond.”

BLINKEN SAYS US IS ‘READY’ TO GET INVOLVED IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR IF LINE IS CROSSED: ‘WE WON’T HESITATE’

He went on to affirm that the U.S. has the right to defend itself and said, “We won’t hesitate to take the appropriate action.”

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is currently assigned to the Eastern Mediterranean. (Andrej Tarfila/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

President Biden’s administration has offered its full support for Israel’s right to wage a campaign against Hamas in Gaza. While the Israeli military has been poised for such an invasion for more than a week, no order to invade has come down.

Fox News’ Lawrence Richard and Liz Friden contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Share

Recent Posts

Karen Read mistrial puts cops in tough spot, opens door for accused killer of boyfriend officer to walk free

close Video Attorney thinks new trial for Karen Read will not happen Defense attorney David…

14 minutes ago

North Korean hackers use disguised apps to target Macs with hidden malware

Macs are safer than Windows PCs, but they’re not foolproof. Hackers occasionally find ways to…

24 minutes ago

Trump urges Florida Republican to mount congressional bid: ‘RUN, RANDY, RUN!’

President-elect Donald Trump urged Florida state Sen. Randy Fine to run for Congress, pledging to…

34 minutes ago

Uruguay ousts conservative government, elects leftist opposition candidate as turnout hits 90 percent

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 24 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

Judge rejects 2nd Amendment argument from illegal immigrant living in Ohio charged over possession of 170 guns

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 24 Fox News Flash top headlines…

3 hours ago

NYC man, 73, plunges to his death while trying to escape early morning apartment burglary

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for November 24 Fox News Flash top headlines…

3 hours ago