In a significant response to a series of drone and rocket attacks against US forces in the Middle East, the United States has conducted airstrikes targeting two facilities associated with Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced these strikes, emphasizing the US’s commitment to defending its personnel and interests.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced these strikes targeting two facilities associated with Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria.
In a statement, Secretary Austin clarified that the US would not tolerate such attacks and would do whatever it takes to safeguard its people and interests. He expressed the US government’s stance, stating, “The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against US forces are unacceptable and must stop. Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them.”
President Joe Biden authorized these airstrikes following a wave of attacks that left 21 American troops injured. The attacks included 10 drone and rocket strikes in Iraq and three in Syria, all orchestrated by Iran-backed militia groups between October 17 and October 24. Tragically, one U.S. contractor lost his life due to a cardiac incident while taking cover during one of these assaults.
Secretary Austin went on to specify that the two targeted facilities in Syria were being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups. He issued a warning that if Iran’s proxies persisted in attacking US forces, the United States would not hesitate to take additional measures deemed necessary to ensure the protection of its personnel.
US forces strikes Iran-backed facilities in Syria after attacks on American troops.
President Biden, during a recent news conference in the Rose Garden, conveyed a message to Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He warned that if these attacks on US forces continued, there would be a forceful response, and Iran should be prepared for it.
The US government’s message to Iran emphasizes its commitment to deterring further attacks and ensuring the safety of American forces in the region. However, the White House has made a point of distinguishing the Iranian-backed militia attacks and the US response from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
US forces strikes two Syrian facilities after attacks by Iran-backed militia.
It is worth noting that American troops have been stationed in the Middle East for an extended period, actively engaged in the fight against the Islamic State group and working to prevent the resurgence of this terrorist organization. President Biden, while discussing the situation, made it clear that these efforts are separate from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and do not indicate a change in the US’s approach to that particular conflict.
Secretary Austin reiterated the US government’s stance, saying, “They are separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and do not constitute a shift in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.”
BREAKING: U.S. military aircraft carry out strikes in Syria on Iranian-backed militant groups that attacked American troops in Iraq and Syria, Pentagon confirms to @ABC News. https://t.co/pE1WCoPlg5
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2023
This move by the United States underscores its commitment to protecting its troops and interests in the Middle East while also sending a strong message to those responsible for the attacks on American forces.
