The United States launched airstrikes in retaliation for multiple drone andmissile attacks against its bases and personnel in the Middle East. Theseprecision strikes targeted two locations in eastern Syria associated withIran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The airstrikes were carried outnear Boukamal by two F-16 fighter jets and hit weapons and ammunitionstorage areas connected to the IRGC.
The US military officials noted that there were Iranian-aligned militia andIRGC personnel at the base, but they have no information on casualties ordamage assessment. The chosen sites contained munitions used in previousattacks on US bases and troops.
As of the latest information, there have been at least 19 attacks on USbases and personnel in Iraq and Syria since October 17. Defense SecretaryLloyd Austin stated that these airstrikes were a response to ongoingattacks by Iranian-backed militia groups and were intended to convey thatthe United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.
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The strikes were not aimed at expanding the regional conflict but to compelIran to direct the militia groups to cease their attacks on American basesand personnel. The specific groups targeted were not mentioned, but the USholds Tehran responsible for funding, arming, equipping, and directingthese proxies.