In a recent development, eight fighters aligned with Iran were killed in US airstrikes in eastern Syria, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Monday.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Observatory stated that “the death toll of military personnel from Iran-affiliated militias due to US airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor, within the past few hours, reached 8, including at least one Syrian national, in addition to Iraqis.” These strikes occurred late yesterday in the regions of Al-Mayadeen and Al-Bukamal in the Deir ez-Zor province, eastern Syria.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced today that US forces carried out precise strikes on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-linked groups.
In a statement, Austin clarified that the strikes targeted a training facility and a hideout near the cities of Al-Bukamal and Al-Mayadeen in eastern Syria. He stated that these strikes were a response to ongoing attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria. He added, “President (Joe) Biden has no higher priority than the safety of American personnel and our interests, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its people, and its interests.”
The Observatory also reported earlier today that a US military base in Hasakah, Syria, was attacked by an armed drone. The Observatory noted that “a drone belonging to Iran-backed militias attacked the Kharab Al-Jir military base, which is part of the international coalition, in Rmeilan in the Hasakah countryside.” The attack resulted in two explosions, and it was confirmed that the coalition was able to intercept the drone.
Earlier today, there were reports of loud and intense explosions in the vicinity of Al-Mayadeen in the Deir ez-Zor province, eastern Syria, along with rocket impacts at the US-controlled Omar oil field base. This base is considered the largest US base in Syria.
In recent weeks, armed factions have issued statements declaring their targeting of US bases in the region in response to ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7. These factions claim that the Israeli attacks on Gaza are directly supported by the United States.
