Escalating Islamist Strikes Prompt Deployment of 900 US Troops to Middle East

Islamist militia linked to Iran have launched a series of attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq, raising concerns of a regional escalation. The attacks, claimed by groups controlled by Tehran or sharing the ideology of other groups fighting Israel, have resulted in injuries to US soldiers and the death of a civilian contractor. The US is deploying anti-missile batteries to protect its bases and allies, while Joe Biden has ordered two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the war between Israel and Hamas continues, with rising death tolls and the threat of further escalation. Iranian-backed groups have also threatened attacks on US military bases in the UAE and Kuwait. The situation highlights Iran's extensive network of proxies and the potential for a wider regional crisis.