U.S. Continues To Strike Iranian-Linked Militias in Syria

Updated Nov. 13, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EST

• The U.S. conducted more airstrikes in Syria, targeting facilities used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, according to the Pentagon. 
• The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, said the strikes were in response to the "continued attacks" on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria by Iranian fighters. 
• Austin added that the attacks were ordered by President Biden "to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests."

What's the story?

• The U.S. carried out airstrikes on two facilities linked to Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria following drone and rocket attacks against U.S. forces in the region. 
• A statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the facilities were used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups. President Joe Biden ordered the strikes, which Austin said were "narrowly tailored in self-defense."
• Austin emphasized these attacks are separate from the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Why did the U.S. strike?

• U.S. officials said Iranian leaders are ordering attacks on the U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, which started on Oct. 17. American officials are attributing the attacks to Iranian proxy groups operating in the region. Austin said: 

"These Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop…Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them."

• According to the Pentagon, the U.S. was attacked 19 times in total: at least 12 in Iraq and four times in Syria. At least 21 American service members have been injured. On Friday morning, another attack was issued, but the U.S. military shot down the drone near Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq. 
• It's unclear if the U.S.'s strikes resulted in any casualties. Austin said:

"We know that there were people on the target at various points during the day. Again, we know that they were not civilians. The people that occupy these locations are Iranian-aligned militia groups as well as IRGC personnel."

• The U.S. is sending around 900 troops and additional air defenses to the region. 
• Officials are attempting to separate this attack from the Israel-Gaza war, but as Iran backs Hamas and Hezbollah, authorities fear an escalation of regional conflict. These airstrikes would not normally require this form of response, said BBC, but the Pentagon press secretary, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, said that the U.S. "will always reserve the right to self-defense."

Do you support the U.S.'s response?

-Jamie Epstein 

(Photo credit: Flickr/Jungle Jack)