Middle-East: US Launches Airstrikes On Iran-Linked Targets In Syria, Retaliates To Attacks On Its Troops

In response to a series of drone and missile attacks against American bases and personnel in the region, the Pentagon announced that the US military conducted airstrikes on two sites in eastern Syria connected to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. These airstrikes were carried out early Friday (27 October).

The Biden administration is determined to maintain a delicate balance with its strikes in the US. They aim to target Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the US strongly enough to deter future aggression, which may be influenced by Israel's war against Hamas. However, they also strive to prevent further escalation in the region and avoid provoking a wider conflict.

Since 17 October, the Pentagon has reported a total of 12 attacks on US bases and personnel in Iraq, as well as four attacks in Syria. Among these incidents, two assaults utilised drones to target the al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and the al-Tanf Garrison in Syria, resulting in injuries to 21 US personnel, according to Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that precision self-defense strikes have been carried out in response to a series of ongoing attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria. These attacks, which have been mostly unsuccessful, were perpetrated by Iranian-backed militia groups and have been occurring since October 17.

President Joe Biden ordered targeted strikes in order to send a strong message that the United States will not tolerate attacks and will protect its personnel and interests. These strikes were conducted separately from Israel's conflict with Hamas, Hindustan Times reported.

Austin emphasised that the United States is not looking for a wider conflict. However, he made it clear that if Iranian proxy groups persist in their actions, the US will not hesitate to take further measures to safeguard its forces.

According to the Pentagon, all US personnel injured in the militant attacks sustained minor injuries and were able to resume their duties. Unfortunately, a contractor tragically suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away while seeking shelter from a potential drone attack.

It was expected that there would be retaliatory strikes. Both the Pentagon and the White House have been clear in stating that the US would respond, as reiterated by Ryder on Thursday, emphasising that it would be done on their terms.

During a Pentagon briefing earlier in the day, he said, “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.”

In response to a tragic explosion at a Gaza hospital, protests erupted in several Muslim nations, as Iranian-linked groups carried out a series of strikes.

While the Israeli military has been conducting relentless attacks on Gaza following a destructive rampage by Hamas in southern Israel, Israel has denied any responsibility for the blast at al-Ahli hospital. The US intelligence assessment also concluded that Tel Aviv was not to blame for the incident.

The United States, including the Pentagon, has consistently stated that any military response from America would be specifically in response to the attacks on its troops, and would not be linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. It is customary for the US to retaliate and carry out strikes on Iranian targets in Syria following similar attacks on American bases.

In response to an attack in northeast Syria that resulted in the death of a US contractor and injuries to seven other Americans, the US targeted sites in Syria associated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard in March. American F-15 fighter jets, operating from al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, conducted strikes on multiple locations near Deir el-Zour.

US officials consistently emphasise that the American response is intended to be proportional and serves as a deterrent against attacks on US personnel engaged in combating the Islamic State group.

US officials have refrained from publicly connecting the recent attacks in Syria and Iraq to the ongoing violence in Gaza. However, Iranian officials have openly criticised the US for supplying weapons to Israel, which have been utilised in striking Gaza and causing the loss of civilian lives.

In order to safeguard US forces, the Pentagon has strengthened air defenses in the region. This includes the deployment of multiple batteries of Patriot missile systems, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, and extra fighter jets.

The THAAD system is being deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas, while the Patriot batteries are coming from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Additionally, an Avenger air defense system from Fort Liberty is also being sent.

According to officials, up to two battalions of Patriots are being deployed. Each battalion is comprised of at least three Patriot batteries, with each battery equipped with six to eight launchers.

According to Ryder, approximately 900 troops have been deployed to or are in the process of going to the Middle East region. This includes personnel associated with the air defense systems.