Michael Knights is the Jill and Jay Bernstein Fellow at The Washington Institute and cofounder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which offers in-depth analysis of developments related to Iran-backed militias.
Militia Spotlight presents a new tracker that will be regularly updated with the best known information about drone, rocket, and missile attacks against U.S. targets, which have intensified since the Gaza war broke out.
The table below is primarily a tally of the claims of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq since it emerged on October 18, 2023, with an increasing mix of newer emergent claiming groups and unclaimed attacks since October 26. (The "Islamic Resistance" is not a group itself, but a collective mechanism to claim attacks by existing U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations such as Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Hezbollah Harakat al-Nujaba, as well as nonsanctioned groups like Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada.)
The table went through an extensive scrub on November 12, resulting in some presentational changes and re-ordering. Some duplicate and fake Islamic Resistance claims have been removed, with markers left to show where this occurred. Overall, IRI claims are still quite reliable indicators of real attacks, but on some occasions they have issued claims (with some detailing) for attacks that did not occur. One sub-brand with two claims - The Islamic Resistance in Iraq - Dhafireen Group - is left within the numbered set as this information may be useful later, even if the sub-brand seems a less than reliable claimant. This all suggests a high but imperfect level of coordination and communication between the groups using the Islamic Resistance brand.
Some attacks in Iraq and Syria since that date have not been claimed, most likely because they are attacks on Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) bases by Iran-linked Syrian Arab militias like the Sons of the Jazira and Euphrates (Furat) Movement. Strikes on Israel have been retained but excised from the serial numbering, to keep that "count" focused on attacks on U.S. sites in Syria and Iraq. These steps will probably close some of the gap between our serial numbers and U.S. Department of Defense metrics, though we may still "count" slightly differently from them (i.e., we will count all attempted attacks, successful or otherwise).
Serial
Date
Target
Claimed By
Weapons System
Notes
95
Dec 6
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
94
Dec 6
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
94
Dec 3
"Green Village", Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
93
Dec 3
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Dec 3
U.S. airstrike on Nujaba attack cell in Dibis, Kirkuk
Probable 5x Nujaba killed and 3x wounded in a nighttime strike. Probable launch attempt on Harir or Erbil Airport, Iraq
92
Dec 3
Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
IRI video shows a disguised oil or water tanker used as a launch vehicle for an apparent daylight 20x122mm strike.(15 launched and 5 found in the tubes) Launch location was Rabiya, Nineveh.
91
Dec 3
Erbil Airport, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Nov 24
Gaza ceasefire becomes active
90
Nov 23
al-Asad and Erbil, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified number of drones in 3-4 separate attacks
Unusual format - suggests 2x attacks on al-Asad, and 2x on Erbil International Airport, all using drones, but unclear how many. Could be hinting at swarm operations. Odd format to bundle all claims together.
89
Nov 23
"Omar oilfield", Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Unclear if MSS Green Village specifically targeted, but that is typically the case if IRI claims.
88
Nov 23
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified number of drones, more than one
87
Nov 23
"Conoco oilfield", Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
Apparently targeted on U.S. site, MSS Euphrates.
86
Nov 23
Erbil, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
85
Nov 22
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Probably actually targeted on the coalition annex at Erbil International Airport.
84
Nov 22
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
83
Nov 21
Shadadi, Syria, and al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
"Suitable weapons"
82
Nov 21
Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Rockets
Nov 20
U.S. airstrike on two Kataib Hezbollah sites in Jurf as-Sakr
Eight members of KH killed.
Nov 20
U.S. gunship strike on Kataib Hezbollah convoy in Anbar
One junior KH member claimed killed by Kataib Hezbollah
81
Nov 21
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
"Suitable weapons"
Apparent long-range tactical rocket strike, probably above 122mm, possible Al-Aqsa-1 or BM-45. Two launch rails.
80
Nov 20
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
79
Nov 19
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
78
Nov 18
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Claim video shows Shahed-101
77
Nov 17
Tal Baydar, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drone
Claim video shows Shahed-101
76
Nov 17
al,Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drone
75
Nov 17
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Video seems to show fire near hangars
74
Nov 15
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
Rockets indicate attack had to be launched from inside Iraq
73
Nov 14
Conoco, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
72
Nov 14
Green Village, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
71
Nov 14
Omar, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
70
Nov 13
Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drones
One intercepted
Nov 13
3rd round of U.S. airstrikes in Deir al-Zour falls here in the chronology
69
Nov 12
Conoco, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
15x 122mm rockets
Lots of muqawama social media claims of U.S. fatalities
68
Nov 12
Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 1x drone
Intercepted
67
Nov 12
"Green Village", Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 1x drone
Intercepted
Nov 12
Eilat
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
66
Nov 12
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq - Dhafireen Group
Claim of 120mm mortars
Claimed 120mm mortar attack on al-Asad, probably fake, similar to Nov 5 claim of 81mm mortar attack on al-Asad by the Dhafireen Group sub-brand.
65
Nov 11
Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
Apparent rockets
Muqawama social media mentions rocket attacks, poss separate from IRI-claimed drones.
64
Nov 11
Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
63
Nov 10
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 1x drone
62
Nov 9
Harir, Iraq
Apparent drones
Muqawama social media previewed, possible daylight attack or duplicate reporting of earlier Harir strike same day. Much social media posting of large fire, purportedly at Harir, possibly connected to this or (less likely) the earlier attacks.
61
Nov 9
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
IRI claims mixed weapons
Sabereen mentions rockets. Possible U.S. counter-battery fire.
60
Nov 9
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
IRI claims mixed weapons
Sabereen mentions rockets. Possible U.S. counter-battery fire.
59
Nov 9
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
IRI claims mixed weapons
Sabereen mentions rockets. Possible U.S. counter-battery fire.
Nov 9
Probable U.S. counter-battery fire in Deir al-Zour falls here in the chronology
58
Nov 9
Conoco, Syria
Muqawama social media previewed
57
Nov 9
Conoco, Syria
Muqawama social media previewed
56
Nov 8-9
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drones
One before midnight (8 Nov) and one after (9 Nov)
Nov 8
2nd round of U.S. retaliatory strikes in Deir al-Zour fall here in the chronology.
55
Nov 8
Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
54
Nov 7
Conoco, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
53
Nov 7
"Omar", Syria
At least 2x unspecified rockets
52
Nov 7
Green Village, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of drones
51
Nov 7
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2 drones
50
Nov 7
Erbil Airport, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Apparent 1-3 drones
Video of drone impacts or interceptions, and Coyote counter-drone launch
49
Nov 6
Tal Baydar, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of drones
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media.
48
Nov 6
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
47
Nov 6
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
46
Nov 6
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
45
Nov 6
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
44
Nov 6
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of drones
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
43
Nov 6
Erbil Airport, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Previewed by Sabereen News and other muqawama social media
Nov 5
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken visits PM Sudani to ask for greater protective measures for US bases
42
Nov 5
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq - Dhafireen Group
Claim of 4x 81mm mortars
Claimed 81mm mortar attack on al-Asad, probably fake, coinciding with US Secretary of State arrival.
41
Nov 5
Tal Baydar, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
New target location not struck since Oct 17. Video seems to show KAS-04 drone.
40
Nov 4
al-Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
Potential launches from within Iraqi border
39
Nov 3
Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets or missiles
Potential launches from within Iraqi border. Militia hinting at first use of short-range ballistic missile, Al-Aqsa-1 (Iran-designed BM-45 Fath). Mitsubishi Canter truck with two fired 122mm also recovered in Iraq.
Nov 3
Removed one al-Shadadi, Syria
Of note, was claimed by The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media as a double-drone attack, and may be a case of a false IRI claim.
Nov 3
"Umm Rashash in occupied Eilat", Israel
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
No independent verification. Possible intercept in Jordan.
Nov 3
Removed Erbil Airport, Iraq
Appearts to be another example of a false claim by The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
38
Nov 2
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
1x drone
Rare example of actual drone attack not claimed by The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Nov 2
"Dead Sea", Israel
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
No independent verification. Possible intercept in Jordan.
37
Nov 1
Conoco, Syria
No immed claim
Imagery of gas pipe explosion
36
Nov 1
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
35
Nov 1
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
Unspecified rockets
34
Nov 1
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
33
Nov 1
al-Shadadi, Syria
No immed claim
Unspecified rockets
Could be extended-range 122mm shoot from Iraq.
32
Oct 31
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
31
Oct 31
"Omar", Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified rockets
Impact points close to MSS Green Village
Oct 31
Removed one duplicate Omar attack
30
Oct 31
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
Unspecified rockets
Unknown whether targeted in U.S. forces or Syrian Democratic Forces or both.
29
Oct 30
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drones
28
Oct 30
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
5x 122mm rockets
Note: rockets means the attack was launched from inside Iraq.
27
Oct 30
Conoco (gas field), Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x 107mm rockets
Impact points close to MSS Conoco.
26
Oct 30
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
15x 122mm rockets
Unknown whether targeted in U.S. forces or Syrian Democratic Forces or both.
Oct 30
Apparent round of U.S. and/or Israeli strikes in Deir al-Zour fall here in the chronology.
Could be overlap of Israel airstrikes and U.S. counter-battery fire the same night
25
Oct 29
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
Poss 6x rockets
Unknown whether targeted in U.S. forces or Syrian Democratic Forces or both. Impact points close to MSS Green Village.
24
Oct 28
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drone
Oct 28
Two serials removed here: al-Asad, Kharab al-Jir
Of note, al-Tanf was claimed by The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media as a double-drone attack, and may be a rare case of a false IRI claim.
23
Oct 28
al-Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Oct 27
Three serials removed here: al-Asad, Kharab al-Jir, and one "Omar"
21
Oct 27
"Omar", Syria
No immed claim
Poss 6x rockets
Online hints that the Sons of the Jazira and Euphrates (Furat) Movement undertook the attack.
Oct 27
First round of U.S. retaliatory strikes in Deir al-Zour fall here in the chronology.
20
Oct 26
Conoco (gas field), Syria
No immed claim
Unspecified number of 107mm rockets
Online hints that the Sons of the Jazira and Euphrates (Furat) Movement undertook the attack.
19
Oct 26
Erbil Airport, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Claim of 2x drones
Claim specified “the American occupation base adjacent to Erbil Airport.” Likely the first actual attack on Erbil Airport since Oct 7.
18
Oct 26
al-Shadadi, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Unspecified number of 107mm rockets
17
Oct 26
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
16
Oct 25-26
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drone
Oct 25
Duplicate “Abu Hajar Airport,” Syria removed here
15
Oct 25
“Abu Hajar Airport,” Syria, aka Kharab al-Jir/Rmelan Air Base, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
3x 122mm rockets
First use of the name “Abu Hajar Airport," used synonymously with Kharab al-Jir.
14
Oct 24
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x 122mm rocket (others poss unfired)
IRI posts video of a rocket launch. 4x US wounded.
13
Oct 23
"Omar" oilfield, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Does not appear to have struck a US site. Likely a Syrian Democratic Forces site or oil/gas site.
12
Oct 23
Malikiyah/Derik, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
Unclear what target is, but attack seems to have occurred.
11
Oct 23
Rukban, Jordan/Syrian border, near al-Tanf
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drone
IRI posts video of a drone launch. Rukban appears to be a Jordanian border line of supply for al-Tanf.
10
Oct 22
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone
9
Oct 22
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drones
8
Oct 22
“Erbil Airport,” Iraq (actually Harir, Iraq)
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drones
No evidence of attack at Erbil; instead was a Harir attack. IRI posts video of a drone launch.
7
Oct 21
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drones
IRI posts video of a drone launch.
Oct 20
Harir, Iraq has been removed
6
Oct 19
BDSC, Iraq
No claim
5x3 cube of 15x 107mm rockets (only 1x fired)
Assessed warning; militia hesitant to claim attack on a civilian airport.
5
Oct 19
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x 122mm Grad rockets (others unfired)
One U.S. citizen contractor dies of heart failure.
4
Oct
19
MSS Conoco, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
Apparent 4x 107mm rockets
Claim of pipeline fire.
3
Oct 19
al-Tanf, Syria
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
2x drones
2
Oct 18
Harir, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
1x drone (video of Qasef-2K)
DoD announces 20 minor injuries.
1
Oct 18
al-Asad, Iraq
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq War Media
3x drones
DoD announces 4 minor injuries and destruction of aircraft hangar/small plane.
