US targets Iranian groups in Syria following recent attacks on troops
US troops patrol near oil wells in al-Qahtaniyah in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah province, close to the border with Türkiye, June 14, 2023. (AFP Photo)
The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria on Monday in retaliation for recent attacks on U.S. personnel in the region, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The airstrikes targeted nine sites across two locations associated with Iranian-backed groups in Syria. CENTCOM emphasized that the strikes were a direct response to several incidents involving U.S. personnel over the previous 24 hours.
“These actions are intended to degrade the ability of Iranian-backed groups to plan and execute future attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in the region, who remain focused on ongoing operations against Daesh/ISIS,” CENTCOM said in a release.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM’s commander, underscored the U.S. government’s position, stating, “Our message is clear. Attacks against U.S. and coalition partners in the region will not be tolerated.”
In the statement, Kurilla reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to protecting its personnel and partners, stressing that the U.S. would continue to respond decisively to any “reckless attacks.”
The strikes follow an earlier directive from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who in early November ordered the deployment of additional military resources to the Middle East, including ballistic missile defense destroyers, fighter squadrons, tanker aircraft, and B-52 bombers. This buildup aims to deter Iranian and proxy activities in the region.
