The Blubber

The U.S. has conducted air strikes against Iranian proxies in multiple locations in Syria, per AP.

U.S. military aircraft have executed strikes in the eastern region of Syria, targeting facilities associated with militant groups backed by Iran. These groups are believed to be responsible for more than a dozen rocket and drone attacks on American troops in both Iraq and Syria, resulting in injuries to 21 service members, the military disclosed on Thursday night.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in an official statement, announced, "Today, at President Biden's direction, U.S. military forces conducted self-defense strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups."

These precise self-defense strikes have been initiated as a response to a series of ongoing and primarily unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria, all of which have been attributed to Iranian-backed militia groups and commenced on October 17.

Austin emphasized the President's unwavering commitment to the safety of U.S. personnel, asserting, "The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests."

These retaliatory operations unfolded against a backdrop of escalated tensions in the Middle East. This heightened atmosphere is due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the aftermath of Hamas' terror attack on Israel, which occurred on October 7. The United States is particularly concerned about containing the expansion of this regional conflict.

Austin continued to clarify the United States' stance, stating, "The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop."

He also addressed Iran's role and approach, pointing out that Iran aims to conceal its involvement and deny responsibility for the attacks on U.S. forces. However, the U.S. is determined not to allow such evasion. Austin affirmed that if the assaults by Iran's proxies targeting U.S. forces persist, the United States will not hesitate to undertake additional necessary measures to safeguard its personnel.

This proactive stance underscores the commitment of the United States to maintain the safety and security of its personnel and protect its national interests in the region.