US forces in Iraq faced a series of attacks on Thursday, marking the most widespread strikes on US assets in a single day since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Despite being targeted in three separate attacks, there were no reported casualties among US troops, according to security sources. The US embassy in Baghdad and the US-led international forces stationed in Iraq have yet to comment on the incidents. One attack targeted a joint patrol of US forces and the Iraqi counter-terrorism service near Mosul. An explosive device caused damage to a vehicle but did not result in any casualties.

In addition, armed drones attacked the al-Harir airbase in Erbil and the Ain al-Asad airbase west of Baghdad, both of which house US and international forces. Fortunately, the drones were intercepted by air defenses and no casualties were reported. The counter-terrorism service in Iraqi Kurdistan reported that the attack on the al-Harir airbase caused a fire in one of its fuel depots. The base had already been evacuated by US-led forces on October 20. Since early October, US troops have been targeted at least 40 times in Iraq and Syria in response to Israel's offensive against Gaza.

Forty-five US soldiers have been injured in these attacks, according to US officials. The US puts the blame for these attacks on groups backed by Iran and accuses Tehran of being ultimately responsible, a claim which Iran denies. Militias backed by Iran in Iraq have publicly declared that they will continue targeting US assets as long as the US supports Israel in its conflict with Gaza. In response to these attacks, the US military recently conducted strikes in Syria to destroy weaponry and deter Iranian-backed separatist groups from targeting American personnel in the region.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that if these attacks continue, further necessary measures will be taken to protect US forces. Reuters reported that the US military is implementing new measures to safeguard its Middle East forces amid the increase in attacks by suspected Iran-backed groups. These measures include increased patrols, restricted access to base facilities, and enhanced intelligence collection through drone and surveillance operations.

With tensions escalating and attacks persisting, the complex security situation in the region continues to unfold. Geopolitical tensions and the involvement of various factions further complicate the dynamics of the conflict. US forces in Iraq and Syria remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group, with approximately 2,500 American troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria.