The recent US airstrikes against weapons and ammunition storage facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are a response to ongoing attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups. These strikes are separate from the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

H2 US Strikes Iran-Linked Bases in Syria in Response to Attacks on US Bases

In a statement, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that the United States has carried out airstrikes against two weapons and ammunition storage facilities in eastern Syria. These facilities were being used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and the strikes were a direct response to recent attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups.

Secretary Austin emphasized that these strikes are “separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.” The US strikes targeted the specific locations near Abu Kamal, a town on the border with Iraq, and it is currently unclear if there were any casualties resulting from the attacks.

The airstrikes are described as “precision self-defense strikes” and are a direct response to a series of ongoing attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria. Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, US and coalition troops have been attacked at least 12 times in Iraq and four times in Syria. According to the Pentagon, 21 US military personnel have suffered minor injuries as a result of these attacks.

American officials attribute these attacks to Iranian proxy groups operating in the region. Iran supports both Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Hezbollah, which operates in Lebanon, by providing them with arms and financial assistance. Secretary Austin stated that these Iranian-backed attacks against US forces are unacceptable and must stop. He also warned that if attacks by Iran’s proxies continue, the US will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect its people.

The White House revealed that President Joe Biden had sent a rare message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning against targeting US personnel in the Middle East. Iran has not yet commented on the airstrikes.

In recent weeks, the US has deployed warships and fighter aircraft to the region, and on Thursday, it was announced that approximately 900 US troops were being moved to the area. The US has previously responded with retaliatory strikes when its bases in the Middle East have come under attack.

In conclusion, the US airstrikes against Iran-linked bases in Syria are a direct response to ongoing attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups. These strikes are separate from the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The US has made it clear that it will take necessary measures to protect its personnel if attacks by Iran’s proxies continue.