The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two facilities in eastern Syria in response to ongoing attacks against American military personnel in Iraq and Syria.
The strikes targeted weapons and ammo storage areas used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the attacks by Iranian proxies are unacceptable and the U.S. will take further measures to protect its people if they continue.
One of the most important US bases in Hasakah, Syria caught fire after a missile strike by the IRI. pic.twitter.com/riZnbo7sTJ
— The Witness (@WitnessNewsUK) October 26, 2023
There have been 19 attacks against American personnel since Oct. 17, resulting in one death and 21 injuries. (Poll: Is America Better Off Under Biden? VOTE)
Austin said the “Iranian-backed attacks” on American 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,” Austin said.
“If attacks by Iran’s proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people.”
US Fighter Jets Strike Iran-Linked Sites in Syria in Retaliation for Attacks on US Troops
According to the Pentagon, there have now been at least 19 attacks on US bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria since October 17. https://t.co/8ciBhTXUWk pic.twitter.com/bsTb1Qtw4m— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) October 27, 2023
“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,” Austin said.
“We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.”
“[Biden] directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.
The airstrikes are not connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Israel was not informed of the plan.
The U.S. military remains prepared to deter further attacks in the region.
