Tensions in Middle East - deployment of weapons and ships
The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly tense following the attacks in Iraq and Syria, which were carried out by groups that are backed by Iran. The situation then worsened after Israel was attacked by Hamas. To address the growing threat, the US has carried out various defensive measures, such as increasing surveillance and military patrols. The US' deployment of two aircraft carriers in the Eastern Mediterranean shows the commitment of the country to supporting Israel. However, the region's growing unrest and the presence of China's naval forces raise questions about the country's involvement.
Two years ago, the US withdrew its aircraft from the Middle East due to the reduction of tensions with Iran. However, since October 7, when Hamas carried out an attack against Israel, there have been multiple attacks on US forces in Syria and Iraq. One drone hit a military facility in Syria that was used by the US to train its troops. Another drone was shot down after it was launched. In Iraq, rockets hit an airbase that's located near Baghdad's international airport. More missiles were fired at the base known as Ain al-Asad, which is located in western Iraq. A U.S. Navy ship shot down multiple drones that were allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Due to the growing concerns about the attacks by groups that are backed by Iran, the US military is now taking various steps to protect its personnel in the Middle East. The military is also considering allowing the evacuation of families. The other measures taken by the US include: increasing the number of military patrols and restricting the access to its base facilities. It also carried out surveillance operations using drones.
The US military has been increasing its monitoring of its facilities and has been carrying out additional operations to counter the potential launch of missiles and drones. In response to the growing threat, a Navy ship intercepted missiles fired by Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. Also, two US bases in Syria were attacked. In Iraq, rockets and drones were fired at US forces operating there. Even though the conflict in Gaza is currently taking place, the situation across the Middle East shows signs of deteriorating. U.S. has also deployed two carrier groups in the Eastern Mediterranean to prevent Iran and its allies Hezbollah and Syria from launching new attacks against Israel. About 2,000 Marines are currently on standby for deployment. Recently, Joe Biden spent a total of seven hours in Israel. He expressed his full support for the Israeli government's campaign against Gaza. He also urged Israeli leaders to not to be blinded by the rage and promised to provide Israel with additional aid. Meanwhile, the US is airlifting heavy equipment and ammunition to support the Israeli forces' operations in Gaza.
U.S. is now closer to becoming involved in a regional war. Unlike the 1991 campaign against Saddam Hussein's forces in Kuwait or the invasion of Iraq in 2003, this time, the US and its allies have decided the exact timing and location of their attack. As, US is not able to control the situation at present that's is why it is resorting to various measures to respond to events and this region is considered to be a dangerous place, and the vulnerability of the US' military presence there is clearly apparent.
While, in Syria, the US has troops in the country's southeast and northeast, where various groups, including Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, and Turkey, are operating. Also, the remnants of the Islamic State are still fighting in the region. Israel regularly targets areas in Syria, such as the Damascus and Aleppo airports. The objective of these attacks is to prevent Iran from obtaining weapons and ammunition. In Iraq, the U.S. has a significant military presence, as well as well-equipped and battle-tested militias that are supported by Iran. These groups operate independently of the central government in Baghdad.
Despite the sanctions that have been imposed on Iran, it has been able to develop various advanced weaponry. Its military has been able to gain valuable experience in Iraq and Syria. It also provided weapons and training to various groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen. Following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, in January 2020, Iran was able to launch a series of missiles against an American base in Iraq.
The US' massive military might not be able to overcome an adversary determined to do whatever it takes. The lessons learned from the past conflicts in Afghanistan and Vietnam show that even though the US has the world's strongest military, it can't always defeat its enemies.
Critics of the US and Israel continues to hold protests:
The situation in Gaza has become so heated that the protests in the Middle East have reached a boiling point. In countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran, the protests have been directed against Israel, but they also targeted the US.
King Abdullah of Jordan, who is Washington's most cooperative Arab ally, decided to cancel his meeting with US President Joe Biden due to the tragic incident that occurred in Gaza. His other counterparts from Egypt and the Palestinians, who were supposed to participate in the summit, were also not keen on seeing him side with Biden. Furhtermore, the most recent explosion that occurred in the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza has caused anger to rise. According to the Palestinians, Israel was responsible for the attack.
During a meeting in Cairo, King Abdullah and President Sisi warned that the region could be plunged into a catastrophic situation if the war in Gaza continues to expand. Over the past few days, in addition to firing missiles at Israel, Hezbollah fighters also regularly target the country's army. The military wing of the Islamic Jihad and Hamas also occasionally fire rockets at Israel. The Israeli army responded to these attacks by carrying out strikes against what it considers to be Hezbollah's military infrastructure.
The US' aircraft carrier groups are positioned to prevent Iran, Hezbollah, and other groups from going too far. They're also expected to respond if they do. The decades-old conflict between the Palestinians and Israel is about to explode into a full-blown regional conflagration. The US may be directly involved in the conflict.
China’s Stand in the war:
Tensions in the South China Sea have prompted China to deploy six warships. Some of these vessels, such as the destroyer Zibo and the frigate Jingzhou and the supply ship Qindaohu, participated in the 44th naval expedition task force of the People's Liberation Army. The presence of these vessels in the Middle East shows China's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. In previous instances, China has utilized warships similar to the ones deployed in the region to help evacuate individuals, including Chinese, Pakistani, and Brazilian nationals, from areas in the Middle East that are prone to armed conflicts.
The US has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and a battle group in response to the situation in West Asia. Other countries, such as France, Germany, and Britain, have also sent planes to Israel to help evacuate their citizens. Although China has not issued a formal evacuation plan, its foreign ministry has urged its citizens to leave the region. But in front of media Xi Jinping reaffirmed his country's support for the establishment of a sovereign state in Palestine. Jinping noted that the top priority now is to establish a ceasefire to prevent the conflict from escalating and triggering a humanitarian catastrophe.
Conclusion:
The situation in the region is on the verge of a major escalation, with Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recent attacks on US troops threatening to trigger a new conflict. Despite the US' support for Israel and its efforts to deter Iran, it still faces a difficult challenge in preventing the country from launching attacks. Hence, the political situation in the Middle East has become increasingly volatile. Due to the situation, the cancellation of several meetings between Arab leaders and US officials highlighted the need for more effective diplomacy. China's naval presence shows that it is taking a more active role in addressing the region's problems. The situation has become direr with the likelihood of a humanitarian crisis and a regional war escalating. The need for a ceasefire and an immediate diplomatic resolution has become more crucial to avert a catastrophe.
Pic Courtsey-Akil Imran at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
