The Pentagon Expects More Attacks On The U.S. Embassy In Baghdad By Iran-Backed Militias

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Yuri Gripas/Reuters

Daily Mail: The Pentagon says it expects MORE attacks on Baghdad embassy by Iran-backed militias and warns the US is ready to take 'pre-emptive' action to defend itself as more troops deploy

* US embassy besieged Tuesday by thousands of pro-Iran demonstrators protesting US airstrikes that killed 25
* 'The provocative behavior has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it,' Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday, blaming Iran for their brazen attack
* It comes as elite Iraqi troops deployed to secure the embassy's 'Green Zone' today, a day after the pro-Iran mob ended its riot at the gates of the complex and Donald Trump dispatched 750 troops to Kuwait
* Pentagon said its USAF strikes on Sunday had been in retaliation for months of assaults against the US by Kataeb Hezbollah, which belongs to Iraq's government-sanctioned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)
* Ease with which commanders and supporters of the PMF breezed through the heavily-fortified Green Zone around embassy highlighted the precarious balance between Baghdad's allies in Washington and Tehran

The Pentagon says it expects more attacks on the Baghdad embassy by Iran-backed militias and has warned the US is ready to defend itself with more troops after 750 reinforcements were dispatched to Kuwait.

The US embassy was besieged on Tuesday by thousands of pro-Iran demonstrators and militants protesting airstrikes that killed 25 of their comrades on Sunday night.

'The provocative behavior has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it,' Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday.

'We are prepared to exercise self-defense, and we are prepared to deter further bad behavior from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran.'

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More News On The Pentagon Expecting More Attacks On The U.S. Embassy In Baghdad By Iran-Backed Militias

Esper says Iran may be planning more attacks on US interests -- AP
U.S. sees signs Iran or allies may be planning more attacks: Pentagon chief -- Reuters
Esper: More attacks from Iran-backed groups expected in Middle East, additional forces prepared to deploy -- Stars and Stripes
Defense Secretary Mark Esper: Iran may be planning more attacks -- NYPost