Iran-backed militia hits pause on attacks as Biden mulls revenge

In a surprising turn of events, the chief of the Iran-backed militia, Kata’ib Hezbollah Brigades, declared an immediate suspension of attacks on US assets in both Syria and Iraq. This decision comes in the aftermath of a drone ambush near the Jordan-Syria border that claimed the lives of three US troops, an attack the Pentagon attributed to the militia.

The Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah Brigades, al-Hamidawi, announced an abrupt suspension of military operations against the United States. This move followed the killing of three US soldiers in a drone ambush, an attack that the Pentagon has linked to the Iraq-based terror group.

In a statement, al-Hamidawi stated, “As we announce the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces – in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government – we will continue to defend our people in Gaza in other ways.” He advised his fighters to engage in passive defense in case of any hostile American action.

The Hezbollah Brigades, affiliated with the Hashed al-Shaabi, have been known for their association with Iran-backed former paramilitary groups integrated into Iraq’s regular armed forces.

The sudden decision to halt attacks comes amidst reports that President Joe Biden is considering retaliatory strikes against the Iran-backed militia responsible for the deaths of three US soldiers. Sgt William Rivers, 46, Specialist Kennedy Sanders, 24, and Specialist Breonna Moffett, 23, were killed in the drone ambush near the Jordan-Syria border, marking the first US deaths by enemy fire since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

The Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, noted that while the analysis is ongoing, there are indications that the drone attack bears the “footprints” of Kata’ib Hezbollah. President Biden, in response to the “unacceptable” attack, held private meetings with his national security team, emphasizing a “very consequential response.”

Amid the contemplation of revenge, the US government is evaluating various options. White House national security spokesman John Kirby ruled out a direct attack on Iran, stating the US’s reluctance to escalate the conflict. He emphasized, “We do not seek another war. We do not seek to escalate. But we will absolutely do what is required,” taking into account the lives lost to the groups backed by Tehran.

Potential responses include targeting Iranian personnel in Syria or Iraq or Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf. The US currently has 45,000 military personnel stationed in the Middle East, with 2,500 in Iraq and 900 in Syria. Prior to the recent attack, the US conducted airstrikes targeting Kata’ib Hezbollah and other Iran-affiliated groups, escalating tensions in the region.

As the situation unfolds, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to the rising conflict in the Middle East.