US launches ‘self-defence’ strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria in retaliation for assaults against US forces
Joe Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. 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, AP added.
Information about the specific targets and other details were not yet provided. Meanwhile, Reuters quoted an official as stating that the US had not coordinated the strikes in Syria with Israel. Since October 17, there have been at least 12 strikes on American sites and troops in Iraq and four in Syria, according to the Pentagon.
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.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defence 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." He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests." And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamas. The Biden administration has stated that it appears Tehran was unaware of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and has not accused Tehran of playing a direct part in it. The US appears to be worried that Iran and its allies could escalate the dispute into a larger
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