US hits two strikes at Syria after attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups; 1 killed, 21 US personnel injured
US hits Syria: In response to the ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17, the US military forces conducted self-defence strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups today.
The strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria were conducted on the directions and under the leadership of US President Joe Biden.
The strike on Syria resulted in tragic death of one US citizen contractor who from a cardiac incident while sheltering in place; 21 US personnel suffered from minor injuries, but all have since returned to duty.
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US Defence Secretary, Austin said in the statement that President Biden has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel. Austin said the US will not tolerate "such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests."
He said: "The US does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against US forces are unacceptable and must stop. Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them. If attacks by Iran's proxies against US forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people."
Austin said the "narrowly tailored strikes in self-defence were intended solely to protect and defend US personnel in Iraq and Syria. They are separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and do not constitute a shift in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
His comments came after the US Department of Defence said US and allied forces in Iraq and Syria had been attacked at least 16 times this month by "Iranian-backed militia groups".
Washington and Tehran do not have formal diplomatic relations, and Biden did not say how the message was communicated.
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Meanwhile, US officials are concerned about the possibility of fighting between Israel and Hamas escalating into a broader regional conflict.
- With inputs from agencies
