Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has carried out “precision” airstrikes in Syria on facilities used by the Iranian revolutionary guard. The airstrikes were conducted in response to continued attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed fighters. This marks the third time since 26 October that the US has taken such action. The strikes come at a time when the region is already grappling with the Israel-Hamas war, raising concerns of a potential widening conflict.
Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin confirmed the airstrikes in a brief statement on Sunday, revealing that they targeted a training facility and a safe house in eastern Syria near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadin. These attacks were ordered by President Joe Biden to send a clear message that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.
Although the Pentagon has not provided details on the extent of the damage caused by the airstrikes, the Washington Post has reported an undisclosed number of fatalities. It was revealed that Iranian-backed militias have launched at least 41 attacks on US bases and facilities in Iraq and Syria since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, resulting in 56 US personnel injuries.
Officials attribute these attacks to Iranian proxy groups operating in the region, with Iran supporting both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon through arms and financial aid. The US conducted its first airstrikes on 27 October against weapons and ammunition storage facilities used by Iran-backed militias in eastern Syria. Another “self-defence strike” was carried out on 8 November on a facility in the same region.
Given the ongoing war in Gaza and the fear of further escalation, there is a concern that Iran and its proxies may become involved in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, potentially sparking a more serious regional war. However, the US has emphasized that its recent airstrikes are unrelated to the situation in Gaza and were not coordinated with Israel. These actions are solely intended as acts of self-defence.
American officials have been in contact with Iran and its proxies, cautioning against a further escalation of violence in the region. They aim to clarify that the military actions taken do not indicate a change in approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict and that there are no intentions to escalate the situation.
In an unprecedented move, President Biden personally sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month, warning against targeting US troops in the Middle East. This message underscores the seriousness of the situation and the United States’ commitment to protecting its forces in the region.
The airstrikes in Syria highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East. It is crucial for all actors involved to exercise caution and ensure that actions taken do not further escalate the already tense situation. Dialogue and diplomacy should be prioritized to prevent a wider and more devastating conflict from unfolding.
