U.S. Government officials have reported that at least 20 American military staff have been injured in drone strikes executed by Iranian-supported militants.
The attacks took place in Iraq and Syria, and the injuries were minor.
Reportedly, the base took on minimal damage, and all soldiers were able to return to work by the end of the day. The attacks were inflicted by the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” (IRI), using “a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets.”
More than 24 service members were injured by strikes on US military bases in the Middle East from Iranian proxies
Iran is laughing at the weakness of the United States under the feckless leadership of the Biden administration. pic.twitter.com/vfBALHisef
— The Conservative Read (@theconread) October 25, 2023
“We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime,” Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said.
“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near-term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran,” he added.
“We will always maintain the inherent right of self-defense. And if there is a response, should we choose to have one, we would do that at a time and place of our choosing.”
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.
