Ceasefire in Gaza also has consequences for the US military
The current cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has given the US army some breathing space in the region. After dozens of attacks with around 60 casualties, calm currently prevails. The USA is blaming one particular actor for the attacks.
According to the Pentagon, the almost daily attacks on US forces in Syria and Iraq have also ceased since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began. "Since November 23, the beginning of the (...) pause, there have been no more attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria," said Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder.
In recent weeks, dozens of US soldiers have been injured in a series of attacks on US military bases in Syria and Iraq. Washington blames Iranian-backed forces for the attacks.
Around 60 injured in attacks
Around 900 US soldiers are stationed in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq. The US-led military coalition in these countries is intended to help prevent a resurgence of the jihadist militia Islamic State (IS).
According to the US Department of Defense, there have been 66 missile and drone attacks on US and coalition forces since 17 October - ten days after the brutal Hamas attack on Israel. According to reports, around 60 US soldiers were injured in the process. In response, the USA has already attacked positions of pro-Iranian groups in Syria on several occasions.
The radical right-wing Hamas and Israel agreed on a four-day ceasefire in the war between the two parties on Friday, which was extended by a further two days on Monday. During the ceasefire, Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will be released.
The ceasefire in Gaza has indirectly impacted the US military's operations in Syria and Iraq. Since the commencement of the ceasefire on November 23, there have been no reports of attacks on US forces in these countries, as stated by the US Department of Defense. However, prior to the ceasefire, US troops in Syria and Iraq had experienced around 60 casualties due to attacks, which the US government linked to Iranian-backed forces.
Source: www.ntv.de
