US military conducts air strikes against Iran backed militant groups in eastern Syria

United States military officials say that they conducted air strikes on two locations in eastern Syria yesterday involving Iran backed militant groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility. This is the third instance of retaliatory attacks by the US in the past fortnight. Reportedly, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have carried out almost 50 attacks since October 17th on military bases housing American troops in Iraq and Syria.

According to the Pentagon, about 56 US personnel have been injured in the attacks but all have recovered and rejoined



their duty. This comes amidst heightened tensions in West Asia due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Many groups have expressed anger against the US for supporting Israel in the conflict.

 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strikes targeted sites near Abukama and Mayadin and were used by IRGC as well as Iran-backed militias. He emphasised that US President Joe Biden had no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel. He added that the strikes were conducted on the orders of the President.