U.S. concerned about attacks on American troops in the Middle East amid Israel crisis

“This is terrorism.”Pentagon officials declined to say whether any additional measures had been taken to protect American forces in Iraq and Syria, citing operational security. Those forces could be used to respond to any Iranian or proxy attacks on American troops. Iranian proxy groups have ceased attacks on U.S. troops in the region in recent months. Yet those forces are already on heightened alert as they navigate another conflict — Turkish airstrikes on the Syrian Democratic Forces. “These attacks hinder counter-terrorism efforts and regional security threats, demanding international condemnation and an immediate action to counter them,” Mazloum said.