WASHINGTON: The near-daily assaults on American forces in Syria and Iraq have stopped since a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel went into effect last week, the Pentagon stated on Tuesday.
US troops in Syria and Iraq have been targeted with drones and rockets over 70 times since mid-October — an increase in violence the US has blamed on militant groups in the region.
“There have been no assaults on US troops in Syria and Iraq since November 23, since the operational pause started,” Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder told the media persons.
No attacks on US Forces Since Hamas- Israel Ceasefire Began: Pentagon
The assaults have caused injuries to several US troops — who are in Syria and Iraq as part of efforts to stop a resurgence of the ISIS militant group — but all have since returned to job.
The spike in assaults on US troops is linked to the war between Hamas and Israel, triggered on October 7. Israel relentless attacks on Gaza have killed more than 15,000 people mostly children and women.
A four-day ceasefire mediated by Doha went into effect on November 24 under which Hamas freed captives and Israel freed Palestinian detainees.
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The ceasefire has since been extended and mediators are making efforts for a lasting halt to the seven-week Hamas-Israel war.
The US was also flying drones over Gaza to locate captives taken by Hamas, but those activities have been stopped as part of the ceasefire, Ryder further said.
