In a press briefing on Tuesday, the United States Department of Defense disclosed a surge in attacks on American troops stationed in Iraq and Syria over the past month. According to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, there have been 55 attacks, resulting in minor injuries to nearly 60 U.S. personnel.

Iran-backed militias have targeted American bases affiliated with the U.S.-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reported 27 attacks in Iraq and 28 in Syria since October 17. These militias claim their actions are in response to Washington's support for Israel in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

As a consequence of these attacks, 27 U.S. personnel were evacuated due to traumatic brain injuries, with an additional 32 evacuated for non-serious injuries. Sabrina Singh assured reporters that all 59 individuals have since returned to duty.

In response, the U.S. conducted three retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militia targets in Syria, with the latest targeting two Iran-linked facilities in Deir ez-Zor province. Sabrina Singh emphasized the deliberate nature of these strikes, stating that the U.S. chose locations where it believed it could have the most impact. She expressed confidence in the precision and targeting of these strikes.

The purpose of these U.S. strikes in Syria is to "strongly signal" to Iran and its affiliated groups to halt their attacks, according to Sabrina Singh. Approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, leading an international coalition through Operation Inherent Resolve, have been actively engaged in the fight against ISIS. ISIS lost territorial control in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, but tensions persist in the region.

The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing challenges faced by the international community in the Middle East.