US Signals Imminent Major Response to Iran-Backed Militias

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has emphasized the need for decisive action against Iran-backed militias responsible for recent attacks on U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East. This statement comes in the wake of an attack in Jordan that resulted in the death of three U.S. service members.

The U.S. has signaled impending retaliatory strikes, particularly after Sunday’s deadly attack. Despite some militant groups announcing a halt in hostilities, Yemen’s Houthi rebels continued their aggression, recently targeting a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea with a ballistic missile.

Austin, in his first press briefing since his hospitalization for prostate cancer treatment complications, stressed the necessity of stronger measures against these militias, acknowledging that previous U.S. strikes had not successfully deterred the attacks. He highlighted that since October’s outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, Iranian-backed militant groups have consistently targeted U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, prompting U.S. counterstrikes.

The U.S. attributes the attack on Tower 22 in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias including Kataib Hezbollah. Austin pointed out Iran’s sponsorship of these groups, indicating that such attacks wouldn’t occur without Iran’s support, regardless of Iran’s direct knowledge of specific operations.

The Pentagon is still analyzing the drone used in the Tower 22 attack. Austin underscored the importance of protecting U.S. troops and indicated readiness to take whatever measures necessary.

The Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial and military ships in the Red Sea since November. In the latest incident, they attacked the M/V Koi. Central Command reported the destruction of two more Houthi-fired drones, one overhead and one uncrewed surface vehicle, in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthis claim their attacks are in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza against Hamas. However, they often target ships unrelated to Israel, affecting critical global trade routes.

The U.S. military presence in the region includes the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower and other significant naval and air assets, used for both defensive and offensive operations. Recently, U.S. fighter jets destroyed 10 Houthi drones prepared for launch and a related ground control station, also intercepting a ballistic missile and other drones.