In a resolute display of strength and commitment to the safety of American personnel, the U.S. military executed precision airstrikes against two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) early Friday. President Joe Biden, with a steadfast focus on the well-being of U.S. troops, directed these targeted strikes in response to a series of relentless attacks by Iranian-backed militia groups against American personnel in Iraq and Syria, which began on October 17.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, affirmed that the strikes were essential acts of self-defense. He emphasized that the President's directive sends a clear message: the United States will not tolerate attacks on its personnel, bases, or interests, and it will staunchly defend itself against any such threats.
“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 not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement.
Over the past weeks, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria by Iran-backed forces. These assaults, orchestrated by groups like Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Lebanon's Hezbollah, were met with swift and decisive action by the U.S. military. Notably, 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of these assaults, which utilized drones to target strategic locations in Iraq and Syria. Despite the challenges faced, all injured personnel have returned to duty, showcasing the resilience and determination of the American military.
Tragically, one U.S. citizen contractor lost their life due to a cardiac incident while seeking shelter during the attacks. This loss underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the need for unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all American citizens, both at home and abroad.
Prior to the airstrikes, National Security Council spokesman Adm. John Kirby had earlier on Thursday confirmed to reporters that President Biden conveyed a direct message to Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning Tehran and its proxies against targeting U.S. troops in the Middle East. This diplomatic effort, combined with the military response, demonstrates a multifaceted approach to safeguarding American lives and interests in the region.
In a decisive response to recent attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria, the U.S. military carried out targeted strikes against Iranian proxy groups. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin emphasized that these strikes are distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and do not signify a shift in U.S. policy concerning the Israel-Hamas situation.
“These narrowly tailored strikes in self-defense were intended solely to protect and defend U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict,” Secretary Austin stated in a press release.
The U.S. government, represented by the Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, made it clear that the country does not seek a broader conflict. However, Secretary Austin warned that if Iranian proxy groups persist in their aggression, the United States stands ready to take additional action to safeguard its forces. "Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them,” he affirmed.
The retaliatory strikes did not come as a surprise, as officials at the Pentagon and the White House had been indicating the possibility of such action for the past week. Brigadier General Ryder, speaking on behalf of the military, stated on October 24 that the response would occur “at the time and place of our choosing.”
"We will always maintain the inherent right of self-defense," General Ryder emphasized during a press briefing, underlining the U.S. military's commitment to protecting its personnel and interests in the region.
These strikes mark a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iranian proxy groups in the Middle East. While the situation remains fluid, the U.S. government's clear stance is focused on protecting its forces while avoiding an escalation into a broader regional conflict.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes for a peaceful resolution amidst the heightened tensions. Further updates on the situation are expected as diplomatic efforts continue in the region.
The Pentagon confirmed on October 24th that terrorist groups supported by Iran have carried out a series of drone and missile attacks against U.S. forces conducting counterterrorism missions in Iraq and Syria, following Hamas's attack on Israel earlier this month.
Brigadier General Ryder, in a press conference, stated, “We know that the groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC and the Iranian regime,” expressing concerns about the potential escalation of attacks on U.S. forces in the region.
In response to the escalating threats, the Pentagon swiftly took action. A squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which encompasses the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. The United States, with 900 troops in Syria and an additional 2,500 in Iraq, has been actively engaged in advising and assisting local forces to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, a terrorist group that had seized large territories in both countries in 2014 but was later defeated.
Over the past three weeks, the United States has deployed warships and fighter aircraft to the region to bolster its defenses. Furthermore, on the same day as the confirmation of Iranian-backed attacks, the Pentagon announced the arrival of approximately 900 additional U.S. troops in the Middle East, reinforcing air defenses for U.S. personnel stationed in the area.
Amidst these tensions, Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, emphasized during a press conference that Israel has "no interest in expanding the war." This statement underlines the delicate situation in the region, with nations exercising caution to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes for diplomatic resolutions to prevail and maintain peace in the region. The United States, along with its allies, remains vigilant and prepared to safeguard its forces and interests against any potential threats from Iranian-backed proxy forces and ultimately from Iran itself.
In conclusion, these airstrikes signify the unwavering resolve of the United States to protect its citizens and military personnel from hostile forces. President Biden's decision to authorize these strikes sends a clear message: any aggression against American lives will be met with a robust and decisive response. The safety and security of U.S. personnel remain paramount, and the nation stands united in supporting the actions taken to defend American lives in the face of adversity.
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