Washington, D.C. – The top U.S. general for the Middle East warned Congress on Thursday that escalating violence in the region, driven by Iran, poses the most significant threat to the U.S. homeland. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, emphasized that the risk of attacks by violent extremists in Afghanistan targeting American and Western interests abroad is also on the rise.
During his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kurilla highlighted the ongoing violence in the Middle East following the recent attack on Israel that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. He expressed concerns about the Islamic State group’s affiliates in Afghanistan and Syria, stating that they have the capability and intent to launch attacks with little warning, particularly targeting the U.S. and its European allies.
The general painted a grim picture of the situation in the Middle East, pointing to Iran-backed militant groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria as major threats to security in the region. These groups have been carrying out attacks that not only endanger U.S. bases and troops but also disrupt maritime traffic in key waterways like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In response, the U.S. has conducted limited strikes in Iraq and Syria and launched operations against Iran-backed militias in Yemen.
When questioned about U.S. military surveillance over Afghanistan, Kurilla acknowledged the need to divert intelligence and reconnaissance assets to other regions to better protect American personnel and assets. Despite ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, the general noted that deterrence efforts have been somewhat successful, with a decrease in recent hostile actions.
Kurilla also discussed the challenges posed by Iran’s support for destabilizing groups in Iraq and Syria, emphasizing the need for a broader approach to countering Iranian influence. In response to inquiries about taking stronger measures against Iran, including targeting Iranian ships delivering supplies to militias, the general stressed the complexity of the situation and the necessity for a multifaceted strategy.
In his closing remarks, Kurilla highlighted the evolving tactics being used to counter threats in the region, mentioning the use of directed energy weapons to take down drones. He emphasized the importance of enhancing capabilities to address smaller threats effectively, thus reducing the reliance on costly missile systems. Overall, the general’s testimony underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the growing security challenges in the Middle East and beyond.