US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in response to attacks on American personnel

The United States has conducted precision strikes against two Iran-linked sites in Syria, marking the third such action in less than three weeks.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the strikes, emphasising that they were in response to ongoing attacks on American personnel. The targeted facilities were associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups, reported AFP.

In a statement, Austin explained, "US military forces conducted precision strikes today on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-affiliated groups in response to continued attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria."

The strikes focused on a training facility and a safe house near the cities of Albu Kamal and Mayadeen.

This series of strikes follows similar actions on October 26 and more recently on November 2, where the US military targeted sites it identified as linked to Iran. The US accuses Iran of supporting various armed groups responsible for increased attacks on American forces in the Middle East.

The surge in attacks on US troops, numbering more than 45 since October 17, is linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The conflict began when Hamas initiated a cross-border attack from Gaza on October 7, prompting a forceful response from Israel. The ongoing violence has resulted in casualties and intensified tensions in the region.

The strikes by the United States are part of efforts to counter the perceived threat to American personnel. There are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, aiming to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group.