Iran-Backed 'Islamic Resistance In Iraq' Claims Rocket Attacks On U.S.-Operated Bases Across Eastern Syria

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On December 13, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed joint operations group of Iraqi militias, claimed an attack on two U.S.-operated bases in Syria, near the border with Jordan and Iraq.[1]

One day later, the group issued a statement claiming another attack on a U.S.-operated facility in northeastern Syria.[2]

Al-Tanf, Al-Rukban

According to the first statement, the group attacked two bases in western Syria: one located in the Homs governorate's Al-Tanf, and another in the area of the Al-Rukban refugee camp, which sits in a remote area along the confluence of the borders of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq.

"In response to crimes committed by the Enemy [i.e. Israel] against our people in Gaza, the mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted two American occupation bases in Syria, namely in Al-Tanf and in the Rukban camp, with drones, which directly hit their targets."

Second Attack: On U.S. Base In Al-Shaddadi

On December 14, the group released a second statement, claiming a second drone attack on a U.S.-operated facility in the northeastern Al-Hasakah governorate.

"In response to the crimes committed by the Enemy against our people in Gaza, the mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted the American occupation base in Al-Shaddadi, south of the Syrian city of Al-Hasakah, with drones, directly hitting the target."

Background

Following Hamas's surprise assault across the Gazan border into Israel on October 7, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq abandoned a cease-fire that had been announced by Iran-backed militias in June.[3]

Since then, the group has claimed more than 90 attacks on facilities housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.[4]