US Navy warship intercepts missiles near Yemen, officials say

Other attacks on the US in recent days

The incident was part of a series in recent days, with US bases being targeted by drones in Syria and Iraq, amid rising tensions in the region as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.

The drone strikes against the base in Syria resulted in “minor injuries,” Ryder said.

On Wednesday, two drones attacked the al-Tanf garrison in Syria, where US and anti-ISIS coalition forces are based, Ryder said. One drone was attacked and destroyed, and another drone crashed into the American base, resulting in minor injuries to coalition forces, Ryder said.

This same morning in Iraq, early warning systems indicated a possible threat approaching al-Asad air base, where US personnel are stationed. No attack occurred, but agents sheltered in place, and an American civil engineer suffered a heart attack and died, Ryder said.

On Tuesday, US forces defended against three drones near US and coalition forces in Iraq, Ryder said.

Two of the drones targeted al-Asad air base, which resulted in minor injuries to coalition forces. And in northern Iraq, near Bashur air base, U.S. forces attacked and destroyed a drone, resulting in no injuries or damage, Ryder said.

“While I will not predict any potential response to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend U.S. and coalition forces against any threat,” he said. “Any response, if any, will come at the time and in the manner we choose.”

Asked whether all these attacks are linked to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and anger in the region over US support for Israel, Ryder said the US is still evaluating.

“Our focus will continue to be on ensuring we are deterring potential broader regional conflict,” he said.

To that end, Ryder said, U.S. Defense Minister retired Gen. Lloyd Austin held a series of calls with Arab and Israeli leaders, including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates, Emir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar , and Prince Khalid bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. The aim was to reiterate US support for Israel and highlight the importance of safeguarding civilians.

“He emphasized again that any country or any group that thinks about trying to take advantage of the situation in Israel to try to escalate the conflict should think twice and not doubt the U.S. response,” Ryder said.

Austin also spoke Thursday with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with whom he has spoken frequently since the start of the war.

VIDEO – US monitors tensions in Iraq and Syria

US monitors tensions in Iraq and Syria | CNN ARENA