The vulnerability of U.S. bases in the Middle East has once again been brought into question following a recent rocket attack on al-Asad Air Base in Iraq. This attack, along with others that have occurred since July, signifies the resumption of a low-level war between the United States and Iran’s proxies in the region. Attacks on U.S. bases have resulted in the deaths or injuries of at least 145 U.S. personnel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The frequency of these attacks raises concerns about the security of U.S. bases in the region.
While the Pentagon claims to have no list of U.S. bases in the Middle East, The Intercept conducted its own investigation and identified over 60 bases in 13 countries. At least 14 of these bases have been attacked in recent years, leading to numerous casualties. The lack of transparency regarding the locations of these bases has allowed Iran-backed militias to target them effectively. The tit-for-tat attacks began in January 2020 after the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassim Suleimani. Since then, attacks on U.S. bases have continued, despite initial claims by President Donald Trump that no U.S. troops were killed or wounded in the retaliatory missile strikes.
The secrecy surrounding U.S. bases in the Middle East has allowed the Pentagon to avoid accountability on various fronts. Investigations have revealed that these bases have become sites of secret sexual assault and have been targeted by militias and criminal gangs for thefts of military equipment. The Intercept obtained exclusive documents showing that sensitive weapons and equipment, including guided missile launch systems and drones, have been stolen without any public acknowledgement by the Pentagon.
The recent attacks on U.S. bases can be attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group, has claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. bases in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel’s war in Gaza. These attacks had decreased from March to July but resumed after a drone attack on al-Asad Air Base. The Iraqi government has set a deadline for negotiations on the departure of U.S. forces from the country, further escalating tensions in the region.
Despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, there are still over 30,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in the Middle East. Troop deployments fluctuate regularly, and additional combat aircraft and warships have recently been sent to the region in response to threats from Iran and its proxies. The U.S. is committed to supporting Israel’s defense and ensuring the safety of its own facilities in the region.
The lack of transparency regarding U.S. bases in the Middle East raises concerns about the safety of U.S. troops and the strategic value of these military presences. Advocacy groups critical of mainstream Washington foreign policy argue that these unauthorized hostilities empower regional militias and increase the risk of escalation. The ongoing attacks on U.S. bases highlight the need for improved security measures and a reassessment of the U.S. military presence in the region.
