The United States recently carried out strikes against Iranian facilities in Syria, in response to a series of attacks targeting American personnel in Iraq and Syria. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the strikes were a legitimate response to the attacks and aimed to defend US personnel and interests in the region.
According to the Pentagon, these attacks were carried out by militias supported by Iran and have taken place since October 17. Although most of these attacks were unsuccessful, an American citizen unfortunately lost his life due to a heart attack during one of these attacks. Twenty-one other people were slightly injured but are already back at work.
US President Joe Biden has clearly warned Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that any attack on US troops would provoke an immediate military response. These US strikes are therefore aimed at making Iran understand that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and that it will be prepared to defend itself, its personnel and its interests.
It is important to emphasize that these strikes are distinct and separate from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. They do not represent a change in the United States’ approach to this war. US strikes in Syria are intended solely to respond to attacks on US personnel and are not related to the situation in the Middle East.
These American strikes come as armed groups close to Iran have threatened to attack American bases in the Middle East because of Washington’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas. Ayatollah Khamenei even accused the United States of directing Israel’s operations against Hamas.
The United States has about 900 troops in Syria and nearly 2,500 in Iraq, engaged in the fight against the Islamic State and participating in targeted operations against jihadists.
This series of U.S. strikes underscores the importance of protecting U.S. interests in the region and holding Iran accountable for its actions. Washington’s military response sends a clear message to Iran: attacks on American personnel will not be tolerated and will have consequences.