The US carried out two air strikes in Syria on Sunday, targeting Iran and its allied groups, according to the Pentagon, in the latest reaction to a string of attacks on American personnel in Syria and Iraq.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the strikes targeted a training site in Albu Kamal and a safe house near Mayadeen. He said that President Joe Biden directed the strikes.
The strikes were aimed at a training site in Albu Kamal and a safe house near Mayadeen. He said that President Joe Biden directed the strikes.
The strike is the third since Oct. 26 as the United State tries to halt a wave of drone and rocket strikes on American forces in Syria and Iraq triggered by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Iran and its allies blame the United State for Israel’s declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.
In recent weeks, Iran-backed forces have attacked the United State and coalition forces at least 40 times in Iraq and Syria. At least 45 American personnel have been injured, with at least 45 suffering traumatic brain injuries or minor wounds.
The United State has 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 more in neighbouring Iraq on a mission to advise and support local forces in their efforts to avoid a recurrence of the Islamic State, which captured huge swaths of both countries in 2014 but was eventually crushed.
An official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the strikes occurred within the last few hours and that an investigation was underway to determine whether they killed or injured anyone.
The United State has 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 more in neighbouring Iraq on a mission to advise and support local forces in their efforts to avoid a recurrence of the Islamic State, which captured huge swaths of both countries in 2014 but was eventually crushed.
There is growing concern that the Israel-Hamas conflict will expand throughout the Middle East, making United State personnel stationed at remote outposts targets.
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke on Oct. 7, the United State has committed warships and fighter planes to the region, including two aircraft carriers, in an attempt to discourage Iran and Iran-backed groups. Thousands of troops have been deployed to the region.
