In first with chief National security correspondent Jennifer Griffin.
She's at the Pentagon tonight.
Hi, Jennifer.
Good evening, Jillian. As Iranian proxies continue to bait the
US military,
the Biden administration seems to be pursuing the same strategy
in the Middle East that it has in Ukraine,
what some say is an overly cautious approach for fear
of escalation and a wider war.
The US has positioned more than 11,350 military personnel to
the Middle East since October 7th to deter a wider
Mideast conflict.
On Thursday, after 121 attacks on US bases in Iraq
and Syria,
the US sent a drone to kill the Iranian backed
Iraqi militia leader it says planned those attacks.
In response, Iraq's Prime Minister vowed to ask U.S.
troops to leave his country during a speech to mark
the 4th anniversary.
Of the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in
Baghdad.
We affirm our firm and principal position in ending the
existence of the international coalition after the justifications for existence
have ended.
The US has 2500 troops in Iraq.
They were sent there in 2014 to protect the Iraqi
government as ISIS was closing in on Baghdad.
ISIS still maintains a presence in the region and that
is exactly why U.S.
forces are in Iraq and in Syria.
Has claimed responsibility for the twin suicide bombing in Iran
that killed nearly 100 mourners heading to Suleimani's grave this
week.
U.S. officials say the latest signals intelligence suggests an ISIS
offshoot in Afghanistan carried out the attack.
Iran's president blamed the US.
Our enemies can see Iran's power.
Our forces will decide on the place and time to
take action.
Meanwhile in the Red Sea,
Iranian backed Houthi forces were given a final warning to
stop attacks on international shipping.
In response, the Houthis launched an unmanned sea drum full
of explosives Thursday.
The Houthis warned today any countries joining the US-led maritime
coalition in the Red Sea will be targeted.
Gillian, Right, Jennifer Griffin at the Pentagon tonight.
Thank you.