Vantage | Why risk of Hamas-Israel war spillover is more real than ever

The aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict has left a looming concern: the spillover effect that is starting to manifest in different parts of West Asia. Notably, the United States, Israel’s staunchest ally, is now facing a growing threat to its interests in the region as the recent incidents involving US forces in Syria and Iraq shed light on the potential implications for the region and Washington’s response.

Targetting of US forces In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, a series of alarming events have transpired, bringing to the forefront the safety of US troops stationed in West Asia. The most recent incident occurred on Monday and it involved an attempted drone attack on US forces in southern Syria. Pattern of attacks This incident marks the fifth such attack in the span of just one week suggesting a clear pattern. These attacks have not been confined to a single country but have taken place in both Syria and Iraq. Syria: In Syria, the US has around 900 soldiers stationed. While these attacks have caused concern, the damages thus far have been limited, resulting in only minor injuries and thankfully, no fatalities. Iraq: In Iraq, where the US maintains a larger military presence of approximately 2,500 soldiers, a similar pattern of drone attacks has emerged. Washington’s concerns Despite the absence of fatalities, US remains deeply concerned about these attacks. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by American troops in the region. Biden’s response On the day of the most recent attack, President Joe Biden was addressing an event on the US economy when he was abruptly called away. He rushed to the White House Situation Room signifying the gravity of the situation. The White House Situation Room The White House Situation Room is the designated crisis centre where presidents turn to when faced with critical situations. It serves as the nerve center for briefings, meetings and monitoring during times of crisis. While the White House has not officially explained President Biden’s sudden departure from the economic event, the emergence of news regarding the drone attack shortly afterwards suggests a strong connection. The US government has placed blame on Iranian proxies for these attacks and has also issued warnings of potential retaliation. Iran’s response On the other hand, Iran, when confronted with these accusations, vehemently denies responsibility and urges US not to hold them accountable. Iran’s government also accused President Biden of contributing to the escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict further complicating the situation. As tensions continue to rise, the targetting of US forces in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war has raised a significant concern. The incidents in Syria and Iraq serve as a troubling pattern that warrants close attention. The response from both US and Iran will play a crucial role in determining the region’s stability and the safety of US personnel in West Asia. The situation remains fluid with potential implications for regional and global security. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.