The US military has carried out airstrikes on two facilities in eastern Syria as a response to ongoing attacks against American military personnel in Iraq and Syria over the past week. The Department of Defense confirmed that a pair of F-16s targeted a weapons depot and an ammo storage area near Abu Kamal, which were used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups. The strikes were conducted to deter further attacks on American forces.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the US does not seek conflict, but the “Iranian-backed attacks” on American forces are “unacceptable and must stop.” He emphasized that if the attacks continue, the US will take further necessary measures to protect its people. The airstrikes were solely in response to the attacks against American personnel and are not connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Since October 17, there have been 19 attacks against American personnel in Iraq and Syria, including three additional attacks on Thursday. One US contractor died from a cardiac incident during the attacks, while 21 American troops were injured but have since returned to duty. The US military has a significant presence in the Middle East and is ready to take action again for deterrence.
President Biden has made the safety of US personnel a top priority and directed the airstrikes to send a clear message that such attacks will not be tolerated. The White House has not yet addressed the airstrikes, but Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that President Biden supports the action taken to defend US interests.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, USS Mount Whitney, destroyer USS Carney, USS Carter Hall, USS Bataan, and USS Mesa Verde are all present in the surrounding waters of the Middle East. Additionally, there are 900 troops deployed to the region, in addition to the thousands of troops already stationed there.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided.
