US launches airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria in response to drone attacks, Pentagon

Strikes targeted infrastructure, reportedly carried out in the country’s eastern province of Deir al-Zour
Syrian soldiers, Syria, Sept. 2019
By Joseph Weber

The U.S. military launched airstrikes Tuesday in Syria that targeted sites used by groups with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The strikes targeted infrastructure and were reportedly carried out in the country’s eastern province of Deir al-Zour, according to The Washington Post. They were executed under President Biden's direction after U.S. forces said one of their outposts was attacked last week by a drone aircraft.

"Today’s strikes were necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel," said U.S. Central Command spokesman Col. Joe Buccino. "The United States does not seek conflict, but will continue to take necessary measures to protect and defend our people."

No casualties or damage were reported in the Aug. 15 attack.

U.S. forces are in Syria and Iraq to support regional forces in their fight against the Islamic State group. Attacks like the one Tuesday have increased significantly since 2020, after President Trump ordered the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, The Post also reports.