In response to a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups, the United States launched precision self-defense strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria, as announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday. These facilities were being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups.
The attacks, which began on October 17, prompted this defensive action by the US military. While the strikes were aimed at safeguarding US personnel, it’s essential to note that they occurred after a direct warning from President Joe Biden to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging him to prevent any further attacks on US troops.
During the strikes, tragically, one US citizen contractor passed away due to a cardiac incident. Additionally, 21 US military personnel sustained minor injuries, but they have all since returned to duty, according to Secretary Austin.
The White House confirmed that a direct message was relayed to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but details about how this communication occurred were not disclosed by US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
Secretary Austin emphasized that the strikes in Syria were a response to the ongoing attacks against US personnel and should not be associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas members in Gaza. He stated, “These narrowly tailored strikes in self-defense 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.”
As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, the situation remains delicate, with potential repercussions and diplomatic efforts on the horizon.
Sources By Agencies
