In a targeted military operation, the United States conducted “precision” airstrikes on facilities utilized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Syria, according to a statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The strikes, the third in less than a month, were in response to what Austin described as “continued attacks” on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria by fighters backed by Iran.
The airstrikes, ordered by President Joe Biden, targeted a training facility and a safe house near the cities of Albu Kamal and Mayadin in eastern Syria.
The Pentagon, while not detailing the extent of the damage caused by the strikes, affirmed that the action was taken to emphasize the United States’ commitment to defending itself, its personnel, and its interests.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group, reported at least eight pro-Iran fighters killed and seven others injured in the attack.
Most of the casualties were non-Syrian nationals. SOHR noted that the strikes destroyed a weapons depot near Abu Kamal, near the Iraq-Syria border, and a rocket launch platform near Mayadin.
The backdrop of these strikes is the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, contributing to heightened tensions in the region. Iranian-backed militias reportedly fired rockets at U.S. bases overnight, although no casualties were reported.
Pentagon officials revealed last week that Iranian-backed militias had targeted U.S. bases and facilities in Iraq and Syria over 40 times since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7.
The attacks resulted in 56 U.S. personnel sustaining injuries, primarily traumatic brain injuries and minor wounds. All personnel have reportedly received treatment and returned to duty.
Attributing the attacks to Iranian proxy groups in the region, the U.S. contends that these actions are in self-defence.
Iran has a significant presence in Syria, supporting President Bashar al-Assad in the country’s 12-year civil war and backing Shia Muslim militiamen, including those from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Yemen.
This recent series of airstrikes began on October 27, targeting weapons and ammunition storage facilities in eastern Syria. Another strike occurred on November 8 on a facility in eastern Syria.
Despite these military actions, the U.S. emphasizes that the airstrikes are unrelated to the Israel-Hamas conflict and were not coordinated with Israel.
American officials have communicated with Iran and its proxies, warning against further escalation in the region.
President Biden, in a rare direct message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month, cautioned against targeting U.S. troops in the Middle East.
Amid a war in the Gaza Strip and concerns about a broader regional conflict, there remains an underlying worry that Iran and its proxies could become involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially escalating tensions further.
The U.S. has reiterated that its recent airstrikes are defensive measures and not indicative of a change in approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing a commitment to prevent an escalation of hostilities in the region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members