US strikes Iran-linked targets in Syria after attacks by Iranian forces. The US military conducted airstrikes against two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran-linked militias. The operation is done in response to recent attacks on US forces in the region.
The United States has conducted airstrikes on two storage facilities in eastern Syria that were apparently being used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. This move comes in response to recent attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria by militia groups backed by Iran.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin clarified that these strikes are unrelated to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the operation occurred near the town of Abu Kamal, close to the Iraq border, at around 04:30 local time.
In addition, as of now, there is no information available regarding casualties from the attacks.
Mr. Austin stated, “These precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. US and coalition troops have faced at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria. According to the Pentagon, 21 US military personnel have sustained minor injuries.
American authorities attribute these attacks to proxy groups supported by Iran in the region. Iran provides both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon with arms and financial support.
Regions’s Dynamics
Secretary Austin emphasized, “These Iranian-backed attacks against US forces are unacceptable and must stop. If attacks by Iran’s proxies against US forces continue. We will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people.”
President Joe Biden issued a rare warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Cautioning against targeting US personnel in the Middle East. Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned at a UN General Assembly meeting. If violence persists in Gaza, the US will not be immune to the regional turmoil.
In recent weeks, the US has deployed warships and fighter aircraft to the region. On Thursday, it was announced that approximately 900 US troops are being relocated to reinforce the area.
This is not the first time US bases in the Middle East have been targeted, with the US responding with retaliatory strikes. In March, the US conducted multiple airstrikes in eastern Syria against Iran-linked groups following a drone attack that claimed the life of a US contractor.
