- United States they reveal their cards with a massive attack on over 85 lenses in Iraq e Syria. It is the first move in what could turn into a large-scale offensive against pro-Iranian militias. A resolute fist from the Biden administration, in response to the drone attack that hit an American military outpost in Jordan, causing the tragic death of three US soldiers last Sunday. At the gates of Europe, pressure is increasing on the domestic front. Ukrainian and international media are abuzz about the possible dismissal of Valery Zaluzhnyi, commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, by the Ukrainian president Zelensky. Although the news was initially denied, the game is still open, and casts a shadow of uncertainty over what the future holds in a nation still marked by the Russian invasion.
US attacks in Syria and Iraq: the reactions
The expected American raids have started and will continue in the next few days. The two attacks aimed at pro-Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq caused more than 20 deaths, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Iraqi medical sources. In detail, in Syria, attacks hit 17 locations near Mayadin and Bokamal, with at least 18 confirmed dead. In Iraq, Anbar province was the target, with at least 3 deaths and 25 injuries confirmed by Qaim General Hospital.
International reactions vary, while the Iraqi government considers the attacks a "violation of sovereignty" whose consequences will be "bad for security and stability", the American president Joe Biden warns that “if America gets hit, it will fight back.” The situation evolves as diplomatic efforts seek to ease tensions in the region.
Blinken's new tour in the region, Israel-Hamas agreement stalled
The US Secretary of State, anthony blinken, prepares for his fifth tour of emergency in the region of Middle East from tomorrow. The mission will take him to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the occupied West Bank. A focal point will be the release of hostages in Gaza and the strengthening of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population. Meanwhile, according to the Wall Street Journal,agreement between Israel and Hamas is stalled, with divisions within the Palestinian Islamist movement over the proposed temporary truce and calls for a permanent ceasefire. The head of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, wants a six-week pause, while other leaders push for further concessions and a more lasting solution.
Ukraine: uncertainty over the future of the armed forces
The Ukrainian summit, known as the stavka, did not lead to the dismissal of the head of the armed forces Zaluzhny, as speculated in recent days. However, according to the The Washington Post the Ukrainian president would have warned the White House of a cultural, incumbent at the helm of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. While Zaluzhny has criticized the political handling of the conflict, details of the resignation and possible successors have fueled uncertainty and tension. According to rumors, senior military officers, such as Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, and Oleksandr Syrskyi, former Kiev defense chief, refused to replace Zaluzhny if he were fired. The differences between Zelensky and Zaluzhny, once war allies, now put political and military stability at risk. This risk could be reflected in troop morale and the overall political situation, with Zelensky's popularity declining while the military, including Zaluzhny, maintains solid support from the public.
