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

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," he added.