US conducts airstrikes in Syria in response to attacks; warns against further aggression.
In response to recent attacks on American military personnel in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two facilities in eastern Syria. These facilities, located near Abu Kamal, were being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and associated groups. It remains unclear whether Iranian militants were present during the airstrikes. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States seeks to avoid conflict but finds the “Iranian-backed attacks” against American forces unacceptable. The U.S. is prepared to take further measures if such attacks persist, with a total of 19 incidents reported since October 17.
During the recent attacks, one U.S. contractor suffered a cardiac incident, resulting in fatality, and 21 American troops sustained injuries but have since returned to duty. Importantly, these airstrikes should not be associated with the Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. government is urging all parties to refrain from actions that might escalate the regional situation further. Notably, Israel was not informed of the planned airstrikes in advance. President Biden, with the utmost priority on the safety of U.S. personnel, authorized these actions to convey that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will protect its personnel and interests.
Furthermore, a senior U.S. defense official reiterated these sentiments during a briefing, emphasizing the readiness of American forces to take action for deterrence purposes. The U.S. maintains a strong military presence in the Middle East to prevent additional attacks, including the deployment of multiple carrier strike groups and thousands of troops. The situation in the region remains fluid and under close watch as the U.S. government takes measures to safeguard its interests and personnel.
