The U.S. launched an airstrike on a weapons warehouse in Syria after recent attacks by Iranian-backed groups on American bases in the Middle East.
Two F-15 fighters dropped bombs on the facility near Maysulun, according to U.S. officials.
US launches airstrike on site in Syria in response to attacks by Iranian-backed militias https://t.co/VshyE8v1Xb
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 9, 2023
“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,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
"The official said the strike triggered secondary explosions, indicating the presence of weapons, but the U.S. believes that no civilians were killed and any people at the warehouse were tied to the Revolutionary Guard or militia groups," it added.
US launches airstrike on Syria site linked to Iranian-backed militants https://t.co/yRcthWPZQG
— Navy Times (@NavyTimes) November 9, 2023
"The latest U.S. strike in Syria was designed to take out supplies, weapons, and ammunition in an effort to erode the abilities of the Iranian-backed militants to attack Americans based in Iraq and Syria," the Navy Times reported.
"And it reflects the Biden administration’s determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by Israel’s war against Hamas, while also working to avoid further inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict," it continued.
The attacks also come as more locations in the Middle East get involved in the growing conflict.
On Wednesday, the U.S. confirmed that Houthi rebels in Yemen shot down an American Reaper drone flying over international waters.
Iranian-backed groups have also attacked multiple sites in Iraq and Syria following the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.
The expanding attacks are concerning for American leaders, with the military seeking to bring calm before incidents expand even more.
