Snapshot 7:Tue, Aug 6, 2024 8:00:45 PM GMT last edited by kiera22

US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say

Published AUG 6 2024

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Above: A satellite image captured by the commercial company Planet shows the damage to the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq after a previous attack in January 2020. Image credit: Planet Lab, Inc / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Spin

The attack on the Al-Asad Airbase on Monday by an Iran-aligned militia that injured five US servicemen is an alarming development, signaling a dangerous escalation and highlighting Iran's disruptive role in the region. The US remains steadfast in supporting Israel and its security against threats from Iran and its regional proxies. Authorities are actively pursuing the perpetrators and will ensure theirthey accountabilityare held accountable.

CNN

The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to retaliate against Israel for the cowardly assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The retaliation will be consistent with international law. Iran reiterates its commitment to not escalate regional tensions or crises.

Tasnim News Agency

Now is not the time to escalate tensions. The Iraqi government has urged all parties, including US forces and militias, to refrain from further violence. US strikes against groups they hold responsible are a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and do not help to restore calm. Instead of targeting and bombing Iraq, the US should use its influence to persuade Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza. That would be a de-escalatory action.

France 24

Metaculus Prediction

There is an 18% chance of a state-based conflict between Israel and Iran causing at least 1K deaths before 2025, as predicted by the Metaculus community.