The US military carried out early Friday airstrikes in eastern Syria against locations associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. This action was taken in response to a series of recent drone and missile attacks on US bases and personnel in the region. The strikes reflect the Biden administration’s aim to strike Iranian-backed groups that are suspected of targeting the US while trying to prevent further escalation in the region and avoid provoking a larger conflict.
Specific details regarding the targets and other information have not been provided yet. The Pentagon reported at least 12 attacks on US bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since October 17. These attacks included the use of drones to target Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria, resulting in injuries to 21 US personnel.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these strikes were a response to ongoing attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups, which began on October 17. President Joe Biden authorized these limited, precision self-defense strikes to convey that the US will not tolerate such attacks and will defend its personnel and interests. The US emphasized that these actions are separate from Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
The United States does not seek a broader conflict, but it will take further action to protect its forces if Iranian proxy groups continue their attacks. The Pentagon confirmed that all US personnel injured in the attacks had minor injuries and had returned to their duties. Additionally, a contractor suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away while seeking shelter from a possible drone attack.
The US had previously indicated its intention to respond to these attacks, with the time and place chosen deliberately. These strikes are in response to the attacks on US troops and are not related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Such retaliatory actions against Iranian targets in Syria following attacks on US bases have been routine and proportionate responses.
The recent attacks have not been publicly linked to the situation in Gaza, but Iranian officials have criticized the US for providing weapons to Israel used in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. The Pentagon has reinforced air defenses in the region to protect US forces, including the deployment of Patriot missile systems, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, and additional fighter jets.
Approximately 900 troops have been deployed or are in the process of going to the Middle East region, including those associated with the air defense systems.
Source: AP
