Iran-aligned militia groups' attacks against US forces 'broadly paused': Intelligence chief

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Iran-aligned militia groups' attacks against the US forces "broadly paused," a US intelligence chief said on Thursday.

"As of last week, the Houthis resumed nearly daily maritime attacks after announcing last month that they intend to escalate strikes and expand their hostile actions to the Indian Ocean," said Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.

"Meanwhile, Iran-aligned militia groups in the region continue to plan attacks against our forces, but it broadly paused conducting such attacks though it is not clear how long that pause will last," she said.

Haines made the remarks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about "worldwide threats," along with Defense Intelligence Agency Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse.

The ongoing Gaza war is "another striking example" of how a localized conflict can produce global impact, Haines said.

"Nearly seven months in the Gaza conflict has world the Middle East presenting new security paradigms and humanitarian challenges. While pulling in a range of actors," she added, referring to the recent "unprecedented level of attacks" between Iran and Israel.

The crisis in the Gaza Strip has galvanized violence by a range of actors around the world, Haines said.

"Both al-Qaeda and ISIS inspired by Hamas have directed supporters to conduct attacks against US interests," she added.