In a resolute response to recent attacks against US troops in Iraq and Syria, the United States conducted airstrikes on Wednesday, targeting a weapon storage facility in eastern Syria believed to be utilised by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups.
This marks the second such airstrike carried out by the US in recent weeks, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region.
Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin affirmed in a statement that the airstrikes, executed by two F-15 fighter jets, were a direct response to the relentless attacks on US forces. Austin sternly emphasised that such attacks must cease, warning of further decisive measures if they persist.
A senior US military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the military had been closely monitoring the facility in Deir al-Zor province and was certain that no civilian casualties occurred. The official disclosed that a "couple" of individuals were observed near the facility overnight; however, they were not believed to be civilians, and an investigation is underway to determine if any casualties were sustained.
The United States has a long-standing policy of retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed forces in the region following attacks on US troops. On October 26, US forces targeted two facilities used by the IRGC and its affiliated groups.
Currently, the US maintains a presence of 900 troops in Syria and an additional 2,500 in neighbouring Iraq. These deployments are part of a mission to advise and assist local forces in their efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, which once held significant territory in both countries before its eventual defeat.
Concerns are mounting that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate further, potentially drawing US troops stationed at isolated bases into the crossfire.
Earlier on Wednesday, an MQ-9 US drone was shot down by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement over the Red Sea near Yemen. Officials confirmed that the drone was believed to be operating in international airspace at the time of its downing.
In response to the escalating tensions, the United States has deployed warships and fighter aircraft to the region, including two aircraft carriers, with the aim of deterring Iran and its affiliated groups. The number of additional troops deployed to the region is estimated to be in the thousands.
Reuters reported that the US military is implementing new measures to safeguard its forces in the Middle East amidst the surge in attacks by suspected Iran-backed groups. These measures include intensifying US military patrols, restricting access to base facilities, and bolstering intelligence gathering, including through drones and other surveillance operations.
