UPDATE - US, coalition forces attacked 10 times in Iraq, 3 times in Syria: Pentagon

ADD QUOTES, BACKGROUND

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US and coalition forces have been attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three times in Syria between Oct. 17 - 24, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

Spokesman Patrick Ryder told reporters that the US will always maintain the "inherent right of self-defense," and any potential response to attacks on its forces in Iraq and Syria would be "at a time and place of our choosing."

"We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime," he said, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces, and ultimately from Iran," he said.

"So, by virtue of our announcement over the weekend, we are preparing for this escalation both in terms of defending our forces and responding decisively," he added.

US Defense chief Lloyd Austin announced Sunday the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and the dispatch of additional Patriot battalions to various locations in the region to bolster the presence of US forces in the Middle East amid recent escalations.

Ryder noted that the deployment of the THAAD battery and additional Patriot battalions is underway.

The remarks came amid a series of rocket and drone attacks in the last week, against military bases housing US personnel in Iraq and Syria.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned Iran against any attack on American personnel Tuesday during a UN Security Council session on Gaza, asserting that Washington would respond "decisively."