Iran-allied militia groups are wreaking havoc in the Middle East. Their latest operation, which happened in Jordan, killed three U.S. military troops and injured several American soldiers.
The attack in Jordan is one of the military operations by Iran-supported militant groups in connection with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
Ever since Israel officially waged war against the Palestinian militant group after the deadly Hamas attack in October 2023, there has been a strengthening alliance of other armed militant organizations backed by the Iranian government.
According to The Associated Press, the alliance between Houthi, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iran-allied groups is becoming stronger as they sympathize with Palestinians who are affected by the war.
Here's what you need to know about these Iran-backed militant organizations:
Hezbollah
Hezbollah was formed in response to Israel's invasion of Lebanon. Its military wing is considered to be stronger and more efficient than Lebanon's actual armed forces. Hezbollah is also known for its repeated attacks against the U.S., including the deadly bombing in 1983; when a U.S. Marines barrack was devastated in Beirut.
Hamas
Founded in 1987, the Hamas has been protesting against Israel's presence in the Gaza Strip. It seized the Palestinian territory back in 2007 after winning parliamentary elections, receiving 44% of the votes. It also triggered a major war against the Israeli government.
Houthis
Houthi is a military movement in Yemen, that has been wreaking havoc in the Red Sea by attacking commercial vessels. However, Houthi leaders claimed that they were only attacking Israeli vessels.
Smaller Iran-Backed Militias
Smaller Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq and Syria are now becoming more and more aggressive ever since the Israel-Hamas war official started. Their attacks are focused on areas where U.S. military troops are deployed.
Militias' Connection With Iran
These militant groups are against Israel because Iran is in an ongoing proxy conflict with the Middle Eastern country. The Middle East's geopolitics are drastically affected by the conflicts between Israel and Iran.
Because of this, Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups are also conducting military activities against the Israeli government. Forbes explained why:
- Hamas: Iran is sending weapons and giving training programs to Hamas terrorists.
- Houthi: Iran is considered to be the primary funder of Houthis.
- Hezbollah: Iran supported Hezbollah during the Israeli invasion and the Lebanese Civil War.
