MAPS: Militia Attacks on U.S. & U.S. Counterstrikes

February 7, 2024

Iranian-backed militias escalated attacks on U.S. military targets in Iraq and Syria after the war erupted between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The militias are part of a network in the so-called Axis of Resistance. The Pentagon has specifically cited Kataib Hezbollah, the largest militia with cross-border operations in both Iraq and Syria, for launching attacks on American targets. Diverse militias hit the following sites since October 17: 

Iraq

  • Al Asad airbase in western Anbar province used by U.S. forces and warplanes
  • Al Harir airbase in Kurdistan north of Erbil used by U.S. forces
  • Balad airbase north of Baghdad used by U.S. forces
  • Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center near the national airport
  • Erbil military base and airport in the capital of the northern Kurdistan Regional Government

Syria

  • Al Malikiyah base in northeastern al Hasakah governorate used by U.S. forces
  • Al Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders used by U.S. forces
  • Conoco base in eastern Deir Ezzor governorate used by U.S. forces
  • Green Village (Omar Oil Fields) in eastern Deir Ezzor governorate used by U.S. forces
  • Kharab al Jir airbase in northeastern al Hasakah governorate used by U.S. forces
  • Shaddadi base near the northeastern city of Hasakah used by U.S. forces
  • Tal Baydar base in northeastern al Hasakah governorate used by U.S. forces

Jordan

  • Tower 22 base in northeast Jordan used by U.S. forces

     

U.S. Counterstrikes

On Feb. 2, the United States launched airstrikes on more than 85 targets in seven facilities – four in Syria and three in Iraq. The Pentagon reported that the sites included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and drone and munition storage sites of militia groups and their allies in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. On February 7, a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad killed a Kataib Hezbollah commander who had planned and participated in attacks on Americans, the Pentagon said. Kataib Hezbollah is an Iraqi Shiite militia that has received weapons, training and funding from Iran.