U.S. Airstrikes Target Militia-Controlled Areas in East Syria

BEIRUT – The U.S. military claimed Wednesday that it launched airstrikes against eastern Syria, targeting areas controlled by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

The strikes on Deir Ez-Zor were not immediately acknowledged by Syria’s state-run media. Iran did not also acknowledge the attack.

The U.S. military’s Central Command stated that the strikes were “proportionate and deliberate actions intended to limit risk of escalation” and reduce the chance of casualties. It also did not provide any figures on casualties from the strikes. However, the military claimed they took place at President Joe Biden’s direction.

“Today’s strikes were necessary in order to defend and protect U.S personnel,” Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for Central Command said in a statement.

The colonel stated that the attack was in retaliation to an August 15 attack on U.S forces. The attack was allegedly carried out by Iranian-backed militias against the al-Tanf Garrison, which is used by American troops. The assault caused “zero casualties” and was described by the U.S. Central Command as doing no damage.

Deir Ez-Zor, a strategically important province which borders Iraq and has oil fields, is Deir Ez-Zor. The area is controlled by Iran-backed militias and Syrian forces. They have been targets of Israeli warplanes during previous strikes.

U.S. forces invaded Syria in 2015, supporting allied forces fighting against Islamic State.

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