Iran launched a group of ballistic missiles at a site in Syria today. The missiles hit in and around Abu Kamal, a city on the Euphrates river on the border between Syria and Iraq. The Iranians said this was retaliation against the groups responsible for the terrorist attack on a military parade that killed about 30 people in Iran in September. Iranian TV made a show of the launch of the missiles; some were inscribed with "death to Israel" or "death to America".
Here's the problem though. Abu Kamal was the last city retaken from ISIS in Syria. The forces that took the city were those of the Assad regime and the Iranian forces in Syria. As far as I can tell, the Assad/Iranian coalition remains in control in Abu Kamal. So who were the Iranians attacking? Surely it wasn't Assad or their own troops. Most likely, this missile launch with all the surrounding hoopla was an event meant for internal consumption. The target was in Syria, but it was likely an open area where no one was located. Indeed, there are no reports of casualties or even damage from the missiles.
This move should not surprise anyone. Even if Iran seriously blames the terrorist attack on America (which is ludicrous), it would not dare blatantly to launch missiles at American troops in Syria. First, they might be shot down by missile defenses which would embarrass the mullahs. Much more important, however, were the Iranians to attack and harm any American troops, President Trump would likely retaliate with some sort of strike on Iranian military facilities. Teheran would not risk that.
Here's the problem though. Abu Kamal was the last city retaken from ISIS in Syria. The forces that took the city were those of the Assad regime and the Iranian forces in Syria. As far as I can tell, the Assad/Iranian coalition remains in control in Abu Kamal. So who were the Iranians attacking? Surely it wasn't Assad or their own troops. Most likely, this missile launch with all the surrounding hoopla was an event meant for internal consumption. The target was in Syria, but it was likely an open area where no one was located. Indeed, there are no reports of casualties or even damage from the missiles.
This move should not surprise anyone. Even if Iran seriously blames the terrorist attack on America (which is ludicrous), it would not dare blatantly to launch missiles at American troops in Syria. First, they might be shot down by missile defenses which would embarrass the mullahs. Much more important, however, were the Iranians to attack and harm any American troops, President Trump would likely retaliate with some sort of strike on Iranian military facilities. Teheran would not risk that.
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