U.S. Airstrikes Target Iran-Affiliated Locations in Syria in Response to Attacks on American Troops

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In the early hours of Friday, U.S. fighter jets executed airstrikes on two sites in eastern Syria associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to an announcement from the Pentagon. The strikes served as a countermeasure to a series of drone and missile attacks directed at U.S. military installations and personnel in the Middle East that commenced in the previous week.

The military action is indicative of the Biden administration’s efforts to walk a fine line: aiming to robustly counteract groups backed by Iran, which are suspected of launching attacks against U.S. interests, while simultaneously striving to not exacerbate regional tensions or ignite a broader conflict. This complex balancing act is further complicated by Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The precision airstrikes were conducted in the vicinity of Boukamal by two F-16 fighter jets, targeting weapon and munition storage facilities linked to the IRGC. A high-ranking U.S. military official confirmed that the base had been occupied by IRGC and Iranian-aligned militia members. While the official refrained from disclosing the number of munitions used, they did indicate that no civilian presence was detected at the site, and information on potential casualties or damage assessment is currently not available.

Another senior defense official elaborated that these specific sites were targeted due to the types of munitions stored there, which were identical to those used in attacks against U.S. forces. The officials conveyed this information to journalists under conditions of anonymity, as not all details regarding the operation have been publicly disclosed.

Since October 17, at least 19 attacks have been carried out against U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria, including three recent assaults on Thursday, as stated by the Pentagon. Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder reported that 21 U.S. personnel sustained minor injuries in two such attacks, which employed drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement identifying the airstrikes as a defensive measure in response to the ongoing, albeit largely unsuccessful, series of attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-aligned militia since October 17. He emphasized that the U.S. will continue to defend its personnel and interests and that these airstrikes are distinct from Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

Asked which specific groups were targeted, the senior defense official clarified that multiple entities potentially operating under different nomenclatures were the focus, but the responsibility ultimately lies with Tehran for funding, arming, and directing these proxy forces. The official further added that the intent of the airstrikes was not to escalate regional tensions but to compel Iran to cease its proxy attacks on U.S. assets.

While the Biden administration has not directly implicated Iran in the recent Hamas attacks on Israel, it has noted Iran’s longstanding support for Hamas and expressed concerns that Iran and its proxies could escalate the situation into a more extensive conflict.

According to the Pentagon, all U.S. personnel who were injured in these militant attacks have returned to duty after sustaining minor injuries, and one contractor died of cardiac arrest while seeking shelter during a potential drone attack.

Officials from both the Pentagon and the White House had been transparent about the likelihood of U.S. retaliatory action. Ryder reiterated on Thursday that such a response would be enacted at a time and location of the U.S.’ choosing.

President Joe Biden had previously warned Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that if Iran continues actions against U.S. forces in the Middle East, a U.S. response would be forthcoming.

This latest series of attacks from Iranian-affiliated groups comes after a lethal explosion occurred at a Gaza hospital, igniting protests across various Muslim countries. Although Israel has been conducting attacks on Gaza in retaliation for a Hamas offensive, it has denied responsibility for the hospital explosion. U.S. intelligence assessments have supported Israel’s claim of non-involvement.

The Pentagon has also been taking steps to fortify air defenses in the region to better protect U.S. forces. The deployment includes several Patriot missile systems, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, and additional fighter jets, sourced from various U.S. military bases.

Officials have indicated that as many as two battalions of Patriots are being deployed, each battalion consisting of at least three Patriot batteries with six to eight launchers each.

Brigadier General Ryder stated on Thursday that approximately 900 troops are either already deployed or are in the process of being deployed to the Middle East, including those associated with the newly bolstered air defense systems.

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More about U.S. Airstrikes on Iran-affiliated Sites in Syria

• U.S. Department of Defense Official Statement
• Analysis: Biden’s Foreign Policy in the Middle East
• Timeline of U.S.-Iran Relations
• Background on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps
• Update on Israel-Hamas Conflict
• U.S. Military Deployments in the Middle East
• Overview of Patriot Missile Systems
• Facts about Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
• U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder’s Briefing on Recent Attacks