Several attacks against US bases in northeastern Syria
Media reports revealed that last weekend saw a dangerous military escalation in northeastern Syria, with three US military bases targeted by missile attacks believed to have been carried out by pro-Iranian Iraqi militias, according to informed regional sources.
Although no group has claimed direct responsibility for the attacks, estimates indicate that the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” militia, an alliance of armed groups backed by Tehran, was behind the operation, especially since it has previously carried out approximately 200 similar attacks on American forces in Syria and Iraq over the past 18 months.
In a brief comment to the American website “Long War Journal,” a US Department of Defense official declined to confirm or deny the attacks, saying only, “We’re aware of the reports, but we have no operational information to announce at this time,” adding that any inquiries regarding the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel should be directed to the White House.
According to a report, the attacks targeted US bases in Kharab al Jir near Rmelan and al Shaddadi, as well as a military site in the Ghuwayran neighborhood of Hasakah city, on June 14 and 15.
The rockets were launched from within Iraqi territory as well as from areas bordering Syria, but US air defense systems successfully intercepted them, with no human casualties reported.
Eyewitnesses and local activists reported that air raid sirens sounded in the targeted areas, coinciding with intense overflights by US warplanes, reflecting a state of advanced military alert and coordination.
Local sources reported that the international coalition managed to shoot down a missile near the Kharab al Jir base, which fell in an uninhabited area, while three other missiles were intercepted near the al Shaddadi base.
An additional missile fell in the vicinity of the Marsho roundabout in central Hasakah, and was heading towards the US base in Ghuwayran.
According to a military source in the Syria Democratic Forces, US forces activated early warning systems hours before the expected attacks and conducted daily air patrols over the areas of al Malikiyah, Qamishli, and Tal Tamr, where US bases are deployed, particularly the strategic Qasrak base.
Local social media pages also documented photos and videos of Iranian missiles falling in various areas, including near the town of al Hawl and the village of Shalala, located between al Shaddadi and al Hawl, where international coalition bases are also located.
It’s worth noting that these attacks came after a public warning issued on June 12 by Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada, an Iraqi militia loyal to Iran, threatening to carry out attacks using “suicide bombers” against the US presence if the confrontation between Tehran and Tel Aviv escalated.
According to a military, the US forces have recently strengthened their defensive capabilities in Syria, transferring advanced radars and air defense systems from their bases in Iraq, in addition to intensifying military movements between the four main bases in Hasakah Governorate.
