Following a series of recent attacks on US military bases in Iraq and Syria, the US launched airstrikes against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria. There is a growing possibility that this could escalate into a head-on collision between the United States and the Arab world.
According to Reuters, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on the 26th (local time), “Under the instructions of U.S. President Joe Biden, the U.S. military carried out attacks on two facilities in eastern Syria used by the IRGC and its affiliated groups.”
He added, “These attacks are a response to continued attacks targeting US troops in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militias since the 17th.”
Secretary Austin also said, “The United States does not seek conflict, has no intention or desire to engage in further hostilities,” and added, “If Iran’s proxy attacks on U.S. forces continue, we will take additional steps necessary to protect our citizens.” “We will not hesitate,” he emphasized.
Recently, drone attacks have occurred frequently on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria, and the U.S. military believes that the IRGC is behind them.
Previously, the U.S. Central Command announced that 20 U.S. soldiers suffered minor injuries from two one-way attack drones targeting the Al-Tanf military base in southern Syria on the 18th. On the same day, two one-way attack drones appeared at Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq, causing minor injuries to four U.S. soldiers.
Minister Austin explained that during this process, an American contractor died of a heart attack due to a sudden air raid alarm.
According to the Pentagon, there were at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four attacks in Syria last week alone.
In addition, the U.S. military shot down a Yemeni missile headed toward Israel on the 19th. The U.S. Navy destroyer Kani, operating in the northern Red Sea near Israel, engaged in combat by shooting down three missiles and several drones launched by Houthi rebels, a Yemeni armed group. The Houthi rebels also receive support from Iran.
President Biden warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei not to target U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.
John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a news briefing that day, “The message was delivered directly.” However, details were not explained.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.