Airstrikes on Iranian Proxies after Saudi Oil Attack

Popular Mobilization Forces members stand by a burning truck after a drone attack blamed on Israel near Qaim border crossing, in Anbar province, Iraq, Aug 25 (Credit: AP)

Two deadly airstrikes were reported at al-Boukamal in Eastern Syria, barely 24 hours after US officials revealed "circumstantial evidence" demonstrating that cruise missiles and drones fired against Saudi oil installations were launched from inside Iran. Boukamal is near the Iraqi border and is the site of a new Iranian military base.The second strike targeted the headquarters of an Iranian-linked militia nearby, causing some analysts to speculate about whether the strikes were conducted by Israel or Saudi Arabia (or both), coming only four days after the Kingdom's oil output was severely impacted by the Iranian strikes.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates today to discuss the ongoing crisis, and President Trump announced a new round of sanctions against Iranian entities. It appears that the president is still reluctant to engage Iran militarily, but is instead doubling-down on economic and diplomatic pressure while supporting allies in the region who are already taking action. Evidence has recently surfaced regarding a secret, joint Saudi-Israeli task force which has been carrying out airstrikes from inside Syrian Kurdistan, using drones to target nefarious Iranian military activity across the "Shi'a Crescent" of Syria and Iraq.

We will continue to monitor and report on any further developments in this story. Shalom from Israel.

Sources:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/airstrike-on-iran-backed-mil…/

https://www.jpost.com/…/Mike-Pompeo-visits-Saudi-Arabia-fol…