U.S. Struggles to Deter Iranian Proxy Attacks on Troops in Iraq and Syria

Despite three rounds of airstrikes authorized by President Biden, attacks continue unabated, sparking criticism and calls for a more forceful response.

U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria have faced near-daily assault from rocket fire and one-way drones, recording at least 61 incidents and about as many injuries in that span.
President Biden has authorized three rounds of airstrikes, all in eastern Syria, in response to these attacks, but they have failed to deter the violence.
Officials within the Defense Department are frustrated by what they consider an incoherent strategy for countering the Iranian proxies believed responsible for the attacks.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has criticized the military's responses to these attacks as inadequate and not forceful enough.
Esper has urged the United States to carry out more strikes and expand to a broader array of targets.