During the daily press conference at the Pentagon, the spokesperson, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, provided his assessment of recent events in the Middle East.
Ryder, in response to a question about assaults against United States and coalition forces, stated that between the 17th and the 26th of October, the United States and coalition forces in Iraq were attacked at least 12 times, and four times in Syria, by one-way attack drones and rockets. Syria has not consented to these US (and Turkish) bases and says that it is built on occupied territory.
Ryder also indicated they would continue to update these numbers as new information comes in. He claimed that he would not release detailed information on the groups responsible for the attacks other than to say that the United States knows these groups have connections to Iran.
During the briefing, a representative for the Pentagon also announced that they would be sending an additional 900 troops and more air defence systems to the Middle East to prevent the conflicts from spreading to a wider region.
Since the United States made its original announcement regarding its force posture, Ryder has stated that he can affirm that around 900 personnel have been or are in the process of being deployed inside the area of responsibility of the Central Command (CENTCOM).
He said that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD), Patriot and Avenger batteries, and other relevant air defence system elements will be among the forces sent to the region to bolster regional deterrence operations.
In addition, Ryder noted that the United States planned to equip Israel with two Iron Dome systems to boost Israel’s air defence capabilities further. However, the shipping or delivery date would not be disclosed due to operational security considerations.
