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U.S. Shoots Down 24 Houthi Drones and Missiles in Biggest Attack So Far

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U.S. destroyers shot down 24 drones and missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, constituting the largest attack on commercial shipping in the Red Sea since tensions escalated in October, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Tuesday.

The Department of Defense is operating a panoply of naval assets in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a U.S.-led coalition to defend critical waterways from repeated threats by the Houthis. Three guided-missile destroyers, the USS Mason, USS Gravely and USS Laboon, and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier engaged the mix of drones and missiles fired Tuesday, CENTCOM said in a statement.

An initial assessment showed no damage or injuries to either the U.S. warships engaged in the firefight or any of the dozens of commercial vessels in the vicinity, according to CENTCOM.

The U.S. intercepted 18 Iranian-made one-way attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile in a combined effort at around 9:15 p.m. local time, the statement added.

CENTCOM reiterated a Jan. 3 warning from the U.S. and partners against the Houthis launching further attacks. “The Houthis will bear the responsibility for the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways,” the statement said.

(Read more from “U.S. Shoots Down 24 Houthi Drones and Missiles in Biggest Attack So Far” HERE)

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Dem Senator Stalls Bill Sanctioning Iranian Regime

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A Maryland Democrat senator prompted anger from Iranian dissidents opposed to the theocratic despotic Iranian regime when he informed them he would stall a bill sanctioning the leaders of the Iranian government for decades of human rights abuses.

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a December 21 email saying he would not move forward with the MAHSA act, writing Iranian-American activist Nick Nikbakht, “At this time, our office will not be moving forward with this bill.”

“Despite the persistent advocacy, multiple meetings, and heartfelt pleas by Maryland constituents who sent letters, we’ve seen no movement from Senator Cardin and, more recently, been informed that they will not be moving forward with the bipartisan human rights bill,” Nikbakht told the Washington Free Beacon.

“Senate Democrats are delaying Israel aid while refusing to sanction Iran, the leading state backer of terrorism and the sworn enemy of Israel, Rep. Jim Banks, the sponsor of the MAHSA Act, (R-IN) told the Free Beacon. “We’re letting our enemies off the hook and leaving our allies in the lurch. It’s a recipe for chaos.” (Read more from “Dem Senator Stalls Bill Sanctioning Iranian Regime” HERE)

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Iraq Works to Expel U.S. Forces After Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Attacks

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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Thursday that his government is working to expel U.S. and allied troops. Iran-linked Shiite militias have relentlessly attacked American forces in Iraq since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7 and began the current Gaza war.

“We are in the process of reorganizing this relationship. With the presence of capable Iraqi forces, the Iraqi government is heading towards ending the presence of the international coalition forces,” Sudani said at a press conference with socialist Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Spain has some troops in Iraq, but the bulk of the foreign forces are Americans, nominally serving as advisers, trainers, and consultants to the Iraqi military.

Sanchez said his government would support “the unity, sovereignty, and stability of Iraq.” He also condemned Israel for its strikes in Gaza, a position Sudani applauded.

Sudani said his administration would respect “the legal authorization granted by previous governments” for the presence of foreign troops but criticized foreign forces for engaging in “military operations” that he rejected as a “violation of Iraqi sovereignty.” (Read more from “Iraq Works to Expel U.S. Forces After Iran-Backed Shiite Militia Attacks” HERE)

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Israel Kills Top Iranian General in Syria: Report

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Israel killed a top commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday in airstrikes carried out in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

Iranian-state media said that Reza Mousawi, a high-ranking Iranian general, was killed in a strike on the Sayida Zeinab neighborhood. Israeli airstrikes in Syria earlier this month killed two other Iranian generals.

Reuters reported that Mousawi was responsible for coordinating Iran’s military alliance between Syria and Iran.

Israel did not comment on the strike, which is customary for their military.

“I won’t comment on foreign reports, these or others in the Middle East,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. “The Israeli military obviously has a job to protect the security interests of Israel.” (Read more from “Israel Kills Top Iranian General in Syria: Report” HERE)

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U.S. Military Strikes Back: Airstrikes Target Iranian-Backed Militants After Drone Attack Injures Numerous Troops

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In a decisive response to a recent drone strike that injured multiple U.S. service members, the U.S. military launched airstrikes against facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, and affiliated entities in Iraq. The strike came as part of a broader pattern of attacks, with U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria facing more than 100 incidents since October 17, as reported by the Military Times.

The attack, which saw a suicide drone targeting a U.S. base in Erbil, Iraq, left three U.S. service members injured, including one in critical condition. U.S. Central Command announced late on Monday night that airstrikes had been conducted against multiple facilities associated with Kataib Hezbollah:

“Early assessments indicate that these U.S. airstrikes destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that other terror groups involved in attacks against U.S. forces in the region were also “Iran-aligned.” Austin emphasized the commitment to defending the United States, its troops, and interests, stating, “There is no higher priority.” While expressing a reluctance to escalate conflict, he affirmed the readiness to take further necessary measures to protect U.S. personnel and facilities.

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Escalating Iranian-Backed Terrorist Attacks in the Middle East Heighten Concerns Over U.S. Response

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In recent developments, the Middle East has witnessed a surge in attacks against U.S. forces by Iranian-backed terrorist groups, leading to growing frustrations among U.S. officials over President Joe Biden’s perceived lack of a forceful response. Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin reports that approximately a dozen attacks were launched within a 48-hour period, targeting various sites, including Al Asad Air Base, Mission Support Site Euphrates, Rumalyn Landing Zone, Patrol Base Shaddadi, Erbil, Green Village, and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The onslaught, comprising missile and drone strikes, represents an alarming escalation in hostilities, with U.S. forces being targeted multiple times since October 17 by Islamic terrorist groups supported by Iran. Notably, these attacks have extended beyond ground forces, with missiles and drones being used against U.S. Navy warships in the Red Sea.

U.S. Central Command disclosed on Saturday that the French Navy successfully intercepted two Houthi drones in the Red Sea, originating from Yemen. The situation has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express concern directly to President Biden, indicating that Israel is prepared to take action against the Houthi terrorists if the U.S. fails to respond adequately. This warning follows repeated attacks by the Houthi group on shipping vessels associated with Israel.

Criticism of President Biden’s handling of the situation has intensified, with numerous U.S. defense officials expressing concern about the lack of a robust response. Critics argue that Biden’s approach, intended to avoid escalation, is inadvertently fueling an increase in attacks. Former CIA official Marc Polymeropoulos emphasized the need for immediate strikes on Houthi targets, stating that action is imperative.

Retired Vice Adm. John Miller, former commander of U.S. 5th Fleet, echoed these concerns, asserting that the U.S. is not taking the situation seriously, as the attacks have gone largely unanswered. Miller emphasized the failure to deter the perpetrators, stating that the current approach is not effectively preventing further acts of aggression.

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US Navy Warship and Commercial Vessels Attacked in Red Sea Amid Rising Tensions

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A U.S. Navy warship, the USS Carney (DDG-64), and multiple commercial vessels faced an attack on Sunday in the Red Sea, marking a potential escalation in maritime hostilities linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Pentagon confirmed the incident and stated they are aware of the attacks, with the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer, being among the targeted vessels. As of now, there is no indication that the USS Carney returned fire on the assailants.

According to an anonymous U.S. official, the attack reportedly began around 10 a.m. in Sanaa, Yemen, and persisted for up to five hours. The Pentagon has not disclosed the source of the hostile fire. The Houthis, who control most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and are allied with Iran, have not yet commented on the incident. However, a Houthi terrorist spokesman hinted at an impending “important” statement.

This event follows a recent engagement where the USS Carney intercepted three land attack cruise missiles and multiple drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder described the earlier incident as a “demonstration” of American capabilities and commitment to safeguarding partners and interests in the region.

The British military reported a suspected drone attack and explosions in the Red Sea, providing no further details. Last month, Houthi terrorists seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, further heightening tensions in the region. The Houthi group’s actions underscore its alignment with Iran and its role in controlling Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

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Iranian Drone Harasses U.S. Aircraft Carrier in Persian Gulf, Raising Tensions

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An Iranian drone harassed a U.S. air craft carrier in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, according to a U.S. defense official.

The incident comes after Iranian terrorist proxies in the region have hijacked and attempted to hijack cargo ships and tankers in recent weeks that are tied to Israel. . .

One video that circulated on social media this week purported to show footage from an Iranian drone that was harassing the same carrier strike group.

The footage appears to correlate with statements from an official in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who said that the drone’s presence interfered with U.S. helicopter operations, according to Iran’s state-run Farsnews Agency.

Satellite imagery from this week showed the carrier strike group only 62 miles away from Iran, a clear sign from the U.S. that Iran should not escalate tensions in the region. (Read more from “Iranian Drone Harasses U.S. Aircraft Carrier in Persian Gulf, Raising Tensions” HERE)

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Iranian-Backed Terrorists Seize Cargo Ship in Red Sea, Prompting Israeli Condemnation

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Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen reportedly seized a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, which comes after the terrorist group had recently threatened to target Israeli-flagged vessels in the area.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader cargo ship was leased to a Japanese company from a British company that is partially owned by an Israeli businessman.

“Israel strongly condemns the Iranian attack against an international vessel,” the Israeli government said in a statement. “The ship, which is owned by a British company and is operated by a Japanese firm, was hijacked with Iran guidance by the Yemenite Houthi militia.”

The statement said that there were 25 crew members on the ship from all over the world, but none were from Israel. The 620-foot ship had left a port in Turkey and was headed to India when it was seized by the terrorists. (Read more from “Iranian-Backed Terrorists Seize Cargo Ship in Red Sea, Prompting Israeli Condemnation” HERE)

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Report: Iran Refuses Direct Involvement in Hamas Attacks on Israel, No Intent to Join Fight

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Iran claims Hamas did not give advance notice of its Oct. 7 terrorist attacks and will not join the group in its fight against Israel, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei told Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh last month that, though Iran would continue to offer moral support, it would not get directly involved in the terror group’s fight against Israel, according to Iranian and Hamas officials who anonymously spoke to Reuters. Khamenei pressured Haniyeh to suppress Palestinian calls for Iran and Hezbollah, one of its proxy terror groups, to fully join the fight.

The Hamas Oct. 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of hundreds of civilians. Iran has historically supported and funded Hamas to carry out its will, as well as over a dozen other terror and militia groups located throughout the Middle East, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Hamas has been encouraging its Iranian-backed allies to aid in the fight against Israel since the initial Oct. 7 attacks, Reuters reported.

“Our brothers in the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, this is the day when your resistance unites with your people in Palestine,” Hamas’ military commander Mohammed Deif said on Oct. 7. (Read more from “Report: Iran Refuses Direct Involvement in Hamas Attacks on Israel, No Intent to Join Fight” HERE)

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