A shocking turn of events on January 28, three US military servicemen lost their lives in a drone attack on their outpost in Jordan. This marked a grim milestone as the first instance of US soldiers succumbing to the ongoing Middle East conflict. President Joe Biden swiftly pointed fingers at “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq” as the culprits behind the deadly strikes. The group claiming responsibility for the attack is none other than the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI). Let’s delve into what we know about this enigmatic organization.
1. Why Were US Troops Stationed in Jordan?
The strikes targeted Tower 22, a US military outpost in Jordan, strategically located near the Al Tanf garrison in Syria. The outpost, housing around 350 US Army and Air Force personnel, plays a crucial role in the region. Jordan, a significant recipient of US military financing, boasts extensive ties with the United States, hosting numerous joint military exercises throughout the year.
2. The Roots of Conflict: Syria's Civil War and the Rise of ISIS
The Al Tanf garrison, where the US troops were stationed, became a focal point during the Syrian Civil War. As rebels sought to dislodge President Bashar al-Assad, various nations, including the US, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, supported them. On the opposing side, Russia and Iran backed the Assad regime, leading to a protracted conflict. Amid this chaos, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged, attempting to establish an Islamic caliphate and sowing terror in the region.
3. Unmasking the Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI)
The IRI, described as an Iran-backed militia operating in Iraq and Syria, is part of the ‘Axis of Resistance.’ Analysts believe it serves as a front for Iranian-backed factions within Hashd al-Shaabi, a powerful umbrella of militias integrated into the state. The IRI, also implicated in the October 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas, has carried out numerous attacks, including a drone strike on Harir Air Base in Iraqi Kurdistan.
4. Escalation of Attacks and Global Ramifications
Since October 7, Iran-backed militias, including the IRI, have targeted American military installations over 60 times in Iraq and more than 90 times in Syria. These attacks involve a mix of drones, rockets, mortars, and ballistic missiles. The Red Sea’s shipping routes have also been under threat, prompting US and UK strikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The IRI, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for explosive drone attacks in Syria and at bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria.
5. Concerns and Criticisms
The Biden administration faced sharp criticism from some US politicians, with Senator Tom Cotton accusing it of leaving troops vulnerable. Former President Donald Trump attributed the attack to Biden’s perceived weakness. Analysts express concerns about the conflict’s widening scope, warning of potential escalation into a full-blown war given the complex web of regional, religious, and ethnic rivalries.
As tensions simmer in the Middle East, the world watches with bated breath, mindful of the intricate geopolitical dynamics shaping this evolving narrative.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?