U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced airstrikes on Iranian-linked militants in Syria on Tuesday, responding to recent attacks on American personnel stationed in the region.
The strikes specifically targeted an Iranian-backed militia’s weapons storage and logistics facility, according to CENTCOM, in retaliation for a rocket attack on U.S. forces at Patrol Base Shaddadi. Fortunately, CENTCOM confirmed that the rocket attack did not cause any damage or casualties.
“These strikes will degrade the ability of Iranian-backed groups to plan and carry out future attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in the region,” CENTCOM stated. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, emphasized that attacks on U.S. personnel and facilities will not be tolerated and reaffirmed the military’s right to self-defense. He added that CENTCOM will actively pursue any threats to U.S. forces and allies.
Approximately 900 U.S. military personnel are currently deployed in Syria as part of the coalition fighting against Islamic State militants. Attacks on American positions in Syria and Iraq by Iranian-backed groups have intensified since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s ensuing conflicts with Tehran-aligned factions across the Middle East.
Tuesday’s airstrikes followed CENTCOM’s previous announcement of strikes against nine targets associated with Iranian groups in Syria, in response to earlier assaults on U.S. personnel.
Credit: ABC News
