The United States (US) executed airstrikes on two locations in Syria connected to Iran, as stated by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
These actions were in retaliation to assaults on American troops. This marks the third instance in under three weeks where the US has targeted Syrian sites linked to Iran.
The US accuses Iran of supporting groups responsible for increasing attacks on its forces in the Middle East.
Austin detailed that the precision strikes in eastern Syria targeted facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and groups affiliated with Iran.
These locations included a training facility and a safe house near Albu Kamal and Mayadeen, respectively. The strikes were a response to ongoing attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria. Austin emphasized that the US prioritizes the safety of its personnel and will defend itself and its interests.
Earlier, the US had struck a weapons storage facility in Syria linked to Tehran and, on October 26, targeted two facilities in Syria purportedly utilized by Iran and its affiliates. The US claims these previous strikes did not result in any casualties.
These actions aim to deter attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria, which have increased following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US reports over 45 attacks on its troops in the region since October 17, causing injuries to dozens of US personnel.
According to the Pentagon, around 56 US personnel have sustained injuries varying from traumatic brain injuries to minor wounds, but all have returned to duty.
Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops are stationed in Iraq and 900 in Syria, part of efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group, which previously controlled significant territories in both countries.
Additionally, the conflict in Gaza has had wider implications. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed they downed a US drone engaged in surveillance activities in Yemeni territorial waters, allegedly supporting Israel.
This claim came after the US bolstered military support to Israel and increased American forces in the region following an attack on October 7. US officials have confirmed the loss of one of their drones.
