U.S. Strikes Iranian-Backed Group's Arms Facility in Syria
The U.S. military has launched airstrikes against a weapons storage site in eastern Syria, according to Pentagon officials on Wednesday. The site was being utilized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its allied factions.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a statement detailing the attack executed by two U.S. F-15 fighter jets, emphasizing that the operation was a defensive measure in retaliation to the continuous aggression targeting U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates. Austin reiterated America's commitment to safeguarding its staff and interests, warning that the U.S. is prepared to take additional actions as needed.
This recent airstrike follows a previous one on October 26, where U.S. aircraft struck facilities in eastern Syria associated with Iranian-backed militias. These military actions come after over 40 attacks on U.S. and coalition forces since mid-October, including drone and rocket strikes. The last reported assault involved a multi-rocket attack on forces stationed in Shaddadi, Syria.
A U.S. official confirmed that the latest airstrike resulted in no casualties or damage to the infrastructure.
In the preceding incidents, more than 40 troops suffered minor injuries, with at least 20 cases of traumatic brain injuries.
Coinciding with the airstrike, a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone was brought down by Iran-supported Houthi forces off the Yemeni coast, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Central Command.
Reports indicate that Iranian-backed groups are intensifying attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East. The U.S. has responded by deploying significant military resources to the region as a deterrent measure, including two carrier strike groups, fighter aircraft such as F-15s and F-16s, and approximately 1,200 troops equipped with Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems. These deployments aim to prevent the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas and to support regional stability.