Title: US Strikes Two Syrian Facilities After Attacks by Iran-Backed Militia
In response to a series of attacks on U.S. troops in the region, President Joe Biden ordered strikes on two facilities in Syria, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday.
The airstrike targeted a weapons warehouse in eastern Syria used by Iranian-backed militias. Two U.S. F-15 fighter jets dropped multiple bombs on the facility near Maysulun in Deir el-Zour that was known to be used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, according to U.S. officials.
“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
The Pentagon stated that the strike was aimed at disrupting and degrading the capabilities of groups directly responsible for attacking U.S. forces in the region, specifically targeting facilities associated with the Revolutionary Guard.
The military officials also stated that the precision strike was deliberate and designed not to escalate the conflict in the region. The U.S. military also used a deconfliction phone line to inform Russian forces in Syria about the attack.
This is the second time in less than two weeks that the U.S. has bombed facilities used by the militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which U.S. officials say have carried out at least 40 such attacks since Oct. 17.
The Pentagon believes that no civilians were killed in the strike and that any individuals at the targeted warehouse were tied to the Revolutionary Guard or militia groups.
President Biden’s decision highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, as the U.S. seeks to protect its personnel and interests in the face of escalating attacks by Iran-backed militia groups.