U.S. Military Conducts Retaliatory Strikes in Eastern Syria Against Iranian-Backed Groups
In response to recent attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. military has conducted strikes against two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iranian-backed groups. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned the attacks, stating that the United States does not seek conflict but such actions are unacceptable and must stop.
According to U.S. officials, the strikes were carried out by a pair of F-16s against a weapons storage area and an ammunition storage area near Abu Kamal in Syria.
Iranian-backed groups have been targeting U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria using a combination of drones and rockets. Since October 17, there have been at least 16 such attacks, with the most recent one in Erbil, Iraq, resulting in no injuries. However, 19 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries, and two others sustained minor injuries as a result of the attacks. Thankfully, all troops have now returned to duty.
Amidst growing international concern about the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalating into a wider Middle East conflict, President Joe Biden warned that the U.S. would respond if the attacks against U.S. forces continued. “My warning to the Ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond, and he should be prepared,” Biden said.
The retaliatory strikes in Syria mark the second time this year that the Biden administration has taken action against Iranian-backed militias. In March, precision air strikes were carried out after an attack on a base hosting U.S. and coalition forces resulted in the death of a U.S. contractor and injuries to several others.
To enhance the protection of U.S. forces, the Pentagon announced over the weekend that it is surging support to the Middle East. This includes deploying the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group and more air defense systems.
Currently, there are approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, all working towards the mission of defeating ISIS.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the international community remains on high alert, hoping to prevent further escalation of the conflict.