On November 12, 2022, the United States carried out strikes in Syria against two sites linked to Iran. This action is a direct response to the continued attacks against American troops present in Iraq and Syria. The strikes targeted a training center and a protected residence near the towns of Albu Kamal and Mayadeen.
According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, these precision strikes were carried out in coordination with the US-led coalition. They targeted Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups. The targeted sites were used as operational bases to carry out attacks against American personnel in the region.
The strikes led to the death of eight fighters affiliated with Iran, including at least one Syrian and Iraqis, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH). This is the third time in less than three weeks that the US military has targeted sites in Syria linked to Iran.
This escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran is part of a broader context, marked by the war between Israel and Hamas. Attacks by pro-Iranian groups against US troops in Syria and Iraq have increased in recent weeks, creating an unstable and dangerous situation in the region.
The United States is engaged in the fight against the Islamic State jihadist group in Iraq and Syria, with approximately 2,500 American troops present in Iraq and 900 in Syria. However, these latest attacks on American personnel have caused the United States to retaliate more aggressively, hoping to deter further hostile action.
It is crucial to emphasize that this complex situation in Syria requires in-depth analysis and understanding of the different stakeholders involved. U.S. strikes on Iran-linked sites are a direct response to attacks on U.S. troops, but they also raise questions about the long-term goals and potential consequences of this military escalation.
The evolving situation in Syria and the Middle East as a whole remains uncertain, and it is important to closely monitor developments in order to have an accurate understanding of the issues and impacts of this complex geopolitical situation. Media and analysts will continue to provide information and analysis to enlighten the public on current events.