The United States carried out two air strikes in Syria against Iran and its aligned groups on Sunday, the Pentagon said, in the latest response to a series of attacks against American forces in Syria and in Iraq.
In a statement, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted a training facility near the city of Albu Kamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen. He said President Joe Biden ordered the strikes.
Israel’s Russia ties under strain as it fights Iran proxies in Syria
Israel’s Russia ties under strain as it fights Iran proxies in Syria
“The President has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said in a statement.
Local sources also said the strikes targeted a camp run by pro-Iranian militias in an area west of Albu Kamal, in Deir al Zor province. The other strike was near a bridge close to the city of Mayadeen, near the Iraqi border and stronghold of pro-Iranian militias, the sources said.
The strike is the third since October 26 as the United States attempts to quell wave after wave of drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Gaza war.
Iran and its supporters say the United States shares responsibility for Israel’s declared war against Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is also backed by Iran.
US strikes Iran-linked facilities in Syria after attacks on US troops
US strikes Iran-linked facilities in Syria after attacks on US troops
US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 40 times in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed forces in recent weeks.
The United States has 900 troops in Syria, and 2,500 more in neighbouring Iraq, on a mission to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large swathes of both countries but was later defeated.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the strikes took place within the past several of hours and added that a US review was under way to determine whether the they killed or wounded anyone.