U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Iranian-Backed Militia Bases in Syria in Response to Attacks

Israel Palestine Conflict: The Pentagon announced that early on Friday, the US military conducted airstrikes on two targets in eastern Syria connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. This was done in retribution for a wave of drone and missile attacks that started early last week against US outposts and troops in the area.

Biden Administration's Delicate Balancing Act

The US strikes demonstrate the Biden administration's commitment to upholding a precarious equilibrium. In an effort to prevent further aggression—which might be sparked by Israel's fight against Hamas—the United States wants to take maximum action against Iranian-backed organisations that it believes are aiming at the country. At the same time, it wants to avoid escalating the situation and starting a larger conflict.

Secrecy Surrounding Target Details

Other data, such as the precise targets, were not yet disclosed. Since October 17, the Pentagon reports that there have been at least 12 attacks on US personnel and bases in Iraq and four in Syria. According to Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, two of those assaults that targeted al-Tanf Garrison in Syria and al-Asad Airbase in Iraq using drones resulted in the injuries of twenty-one US servicemen.

Defense Secretary's Statement on Precision Self-Defense Strikes

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.” "To make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests," he added President Joe Biden ordered the targeted strikes. Furthermore, he stated that the operation had nothing to do with Israel's conflict with Hamas.

U.S. Defense Secretary's Stance

Austin stated that although the US does not want a wider battle, it will not think twice to defend its forces if Iranian proxy groups persist. The Pentagon reports that every American service member injured in the terrorist strikes only suffered minor wounds and went back to work. A contractor also passed away from a heart arrest while running for cover from a potential drone assault. The counterattacks were not unexpected. The United States will respond, as officials at the Pentagon and White House have made evident for the past week. Ryder reiterated on Thursday that the response would occur "at the time and place of our choosing."

Provocation Amidst Regional Tensions

“I think we’ve been crystal clear that we maintain the inherent right of defending our troops and we will take all necessary measures to protect our forces and our interests overseas,” he told reporters during a Pentagon briefing earlier in the day. The most recent round of strikes by the groups with ties to Iran followed a fatal bombing at a hospital in Gaza, which sent off protests across several Muslim countries. In response to the horrific Hamas rampage in southern Israel over three weeks ago, the Israeli military has been attacking Gaza nonstop. However, Israel has denied any involvement in the explosion at the al-Ahli hospital, and the United States has stated that Tel Aviv was not at fault based on its intelligence assessment.

U.S. Stance on Strike Reactions and Their Direct Relation to Troop Attacks

The US, including the Pentagon, has stated on numerous occasions that any American strike reaction would be directly related to the troop attacks and unrelated to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Following comparable attacks on U.S. sites, such retribution and strikes against Iranian targets in Syria are not uncommon. For instance, in March, after an Iranian-linked attack in northeast Syria left a US contractor dead and seven other Americans wounded, the US launched strikes on installations in Syria used by organisations connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. US F-15 fighter aircraft from Qatar's al-Udeid Air Base made multiple strikes in Deir el-Zour.

U.S. Officials' Priority is Deterrence Against Attacks

US officials have repeatedly emphasised that the US response is proportionate and intended to discourage attacks against US forces who are concentrated on combating the Islamic State organisation. Although US officials have not made the connection between the violence in Gaza and the recent wave of assaults in Syria and Iraq, Iranian leaders have publicly criticised the US for giving Israel the weaponry that it used to bomb Gaza, killing civilians.

Pentagon Bolsters Air Defenses to Protect U.S. Troops

To safeguard US forces, the Pentagon has strengthened air defences in the area. According to US statements, more fighter jets, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery, and multiple Patriot missile batteries are being sent. The Patriot batteries are being transported from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma, while the THAAD is being sent from Fort Bliss in Texas. Additionally, a Fort Liberty-based Avenger air defence system is being supplied.

Patriot Batteries in Action

According to officials, up to two Patriot battalions are currently in action. Patriot batteries have six to eight launchers each, and a battalion can have at least three of these. About 900 personnel, including those connected to the air defence systems, have deployed or are en route to the Middle East, according to Ryder's statement on Thursday.

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