Washington – The top U.S. general for the Middle East briefed Congress on Thursday, highlighting the escalating violence in the region fueled by Iran as the most significant threat to the U.S. homeland. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed concerns about the potential for violent extremist attacks in Afghanistan targeting American and Western interests.
Kurilla emphasized the continued threat posed by the Islamic State group’s Khorasan affiliates in Afghanistan and Syria, warning that they have the capability and intent to launch attacks with little warning. He stressed that the risk of an attack on the U.S. and its allies in Europe is significant, requiring increased resources to defend against potential threats to the homeland.
The general painted a bleak picture of the violence in the Middle East region, citing the recent attack on Israel that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. He pointed to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and escalating attacks by Iran-backed militant groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria as major sources of concern. These activities have not only threatened regional stability but also posed risks to maritime traffic in critical waterways.
In response to these threats, the U.S. has conducted retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria while maintaining a campaign against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Kurilla acknowledged the challenges of military surveillance in Afghanistan, noting the diversion of intelligence assets to other regions to enhance the protection of troops and ships facing attacks.
Despite efforts to deter hostile actions by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, Kurilla highlighted Iran’s continued support for these groups. He pointed to the need for a comprehensive approach beyond military responses to effectively counter Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region.
During the hearing, senators raised questions about the lack of stronger action against Iran, particularly in light of ongoing support for militias and covert operations. Kurilla emphasized the complexity of deterring Iran and suggested the need for more nuanced strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by Iranian influence in the region.
In addition to discussing military tactics, Kurilla mentioned the use of directed energy weapons to counter drone threats, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to enhance defense capabilities. The general underscored the importance of leveraging technology to address evolving threats and minimize risks to U.S. forces and interests abroad.