The United States conducted two air strikes in Syria on Sunday against Iran and its affiliated groups, announced U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This action is the latest response to a series of attacks on American forces in Syria and Iraq.
According to a statement from Austin on the U.S. Defense Department website, the strikes focused on a training facility near the city of Al Bukamal and a safe house near the city of Mayadeen.
“The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin emphasized.
The precision strikes were carried out by U.S. military forces on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-affiliated groups. This response aims to counter continued attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.
“These strikes were conducted against a training facility and a safe house near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadin, respectively,” Austin added.
This marks the third strike since October 26, as the United States endeavors to suppress a series of drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq. The heightened tensions trace back to the Israel-Hamas war.
Defense Secretary Austin, who participated in a wreath-laying ceremony in South Korea on Sunday, also engaged in discussions with Indian counterparts in New Delhi on Friday.
