U.S. defense officials have raised concerns about the extent of injuries sustained by American service members in recent attacks carried out in Iraq and Syria. They now estimate that the number of injured service members is more than twice the figure previously disclosed by the Pentagon. As of now, at least 45 U.S. personnel have reported experiencing minor injuries or potential traumatic brain injuries, with around two dozen service members under close monitoring for potential traumatic brain injuries resulting from the attacks. These attacks are believed to be orchestrated by groups with affiliations to Iran.
The spate of attacks occurred primarily in the form of one-way drones, mortars, or rockets and have targeted bases housing U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq. Among these attacks, two particularly noteworthy incidents took place on October 18. The first of these attacks, at the al-Tanf base in southern Syria, involved two drones, one of which was successfully shot down, while the other struck the base, causing injuries to U.S. troops. The second attack took place at the al-Asad air base in Iraq, where two drones were also involved. Both of these drones were shot down, but one disintegrated over the base, leading to the destruction of a hangar and injuries to the personnel inside. Tragically, a U.S. contractor lost his life that day due to a heart attack while taking shelter at the al-Asad base.
It’s important to note that the injuries resulting from these attacks have been distributed across various locations, with at least 32 individuals affected at the al-Tanf base, 13 at the al-Asad base, and one in Erbil in northern Iraq, according to Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder.
Another separate attack on October 25 had the potential to be catastrophic for the U.S. military. In this incident, an explosives-laden drone struck the roof of a building housing U.S. troops at a base in Erbil, but fortunately, it did not detonate. Had it exploded, it could have resulted in injuries or casualties to dozens of troops within the facility.
In response to these attacks, the U.S. military conducted strikes on two targets in eastern Syria in an attempt to retaliate for the series of attacks. These strikes targeted an ammunition storage facility and a weapons storage facility that were reportedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxy groups.
The U.S. has attributed these attacks to Iranian-backed militia groups. Although they have not explicitly accused Iran of directly orchestrating the attacks, U.S. officials hold Iran responsible for funding, equipping, and training these groups. The U.S. has made it clear that they expect specific actions from Iran to control and restrain these militias and proxies.
In light of these developments, three members of Congress who are also military veterans have reached out to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, urging the Department of Defense to take proactive measures to reduce the risks faced by service members stationed at forward operating bases in terms of traumatic brain injuries. They have also requested more information on how the military screens for and treats such injuries shortly after incidents occur. This collective effort seeks to protect the well-being of U.S. military personnel and maintain the readiness and effectiveness of forward operating bases.
