The United States military launched targeted strikes against facilities in Syria on Thursday night, in response to continued attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed terrorist groups. The strikes, carried out by U.S. military forces, targeted two facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated groups.
According to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, these strikes are a response to a series of attacks that have been ongoing since October 17, resulting in the injury of 21 U.S. soldiers and the death of one contractor. The attacks have also resulted in 19 soldiers being diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. The attacks, carried out by Iranian-backed terrorist groups, have been largely unsuccessful but have continued to threaten the safety and security of U.S. personnel in the region.
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
In a statement, Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States will not tolerate these attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests. The statement emphasized that the U.S. does not seek conflict and has no intention or desire to engage in further hostilities. However, the attacks by Iranian-backed groups are unacceptable, and action must be taken to stop them.
The U.S. also made it clear that these strikes were solely aimed at protecting and defending its personnel in Iraq and Syria. They are separate from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and do not signify a shift in the U.S.’s approach to the conflict. The U.S. is urging all state and non-state entities to refrain from actions that could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
The statement also highlighted Iran’s attempts to hide its involvement and deny its role in these attacks. However, the U.S. will not allow them to do so, and if the attacks continue, further necessary measures will be taken to protect U.S. personnel.
Resistance forces in Syria responded to US strikes:
10 rockets were fired at a US military base in Haql al-Omar (eastern Syria) this morning. Later, US forces sent a message saying they do not intend to engage in conflict and create a new front — IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news pic.twitter.com/OrmbM8lLje
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) October 27, 2023
These targeted strikes come as tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to escalate, with the U.S. accusing Iran of being the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. It is also a clear message that the U.S. will not back down in the face of threats and attacks on its forces.
In conclusion, the U.S. military’s targeted strikes against facilities in Syria serve as a warning to Iranian-backed terrorist groups that their actions will not go unpunished. The U.S. will not stand idly by while its personnel are threatened, and further action may be taken if the attacks continue. The U.S. remains committed to protecting its personnel and interests in the region and calls on all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions further.