US forces conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its affiliated organisations. The Pentagon, as reported by The Associated Press (AP), stated that these strikes were in response to a series of attacks against US forces in both Iraq and Syria.
The decision to carry out these strikes reflects the Joe Biden administration's attempt to strike a balance. On one hand, they aim to deter further aggression, which could be prompted by Israel's conflict with Hamas, by targeting Iranian-backed organisations believed to be a threat to the United States. Simultaneously, they want to avoid escalating the situation into a larger conflict, as per AP.
Specific details about the targets and other aspects of the operation have not been provided yet. Reuters reported that the US did not coordinate these strikes in Syria with Israel.
Since October 17, there have been at least 12 attacks on American sites and troops in Iraq and four in Syria, according to the Pentagon. Two of these attacks, involving drones targeting al-Tanf Garrison in Syria and al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, resulted in injuries to twenty-one US servicemen, according to Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
In a statement, Defense Secretary
Lloyd Austin explained that these "precision self-defence strikes" were a response to ongoing attacks against US personnel by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17. President Joe Biden directed these strikes to make it clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests. Austin emphasised that these operations were separate and distinct from Israel's conflict with Hamas.
The Biden administration has indicated that it believes Iran was not directly involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. They are concerned that Iran and its allies could potentially escalate the situation into a larger conflict, despite Iran's historical support for
Hamas.Austin stressed that the
US does not seek a broader conflict, but it won't hesitate to take additional action to protect its forces if Iranian proxy groups continue their attacks. According to the Pentagon, all US personnel injured in the attacks sustained minor injuries and have returned to duty. Additionally, a contractor suffered a cardiac arrest and died while seeking shelter from a possible drone attack.
