The US will act forcefully to protect citizens, says Biden to Iran

Washington: The US carried out an air strike against Iran-backed forces, President Joe Biden said that his administration will "act forcefully" to protect Americans. The strike was in retaliation for an attack on US personnel in Syria.

"Make no mistake: the United States does not ... seek conflict with Iran, but be prepared for us to act forcefully to protect our people," he said. When asked whether there should be a higher cost for Iran, he said, "We are not going to stop."

The Pentagon further said the U.S. F-15 jets on Thursday attacked two facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said US strikes killed eight pro-Iranian fighters, reported Reuters. The outlet said it was not able to independently confirm the death toll. Iran's state media said no Iranians were killed in the attack. Local sources said the target was not an Iran-aligned military post, but a rural development center and a grain center near a military airport.

On Friday's attack, a US service member was wounded, said officials. This comes after Thursday's attack caused seven casualties including the death of an American contractor, injury for five US troops, and another contractor being wounded. The injured are now stable after being treated at the base. Washington has held an Iranian drone for the attack.

Since the year 2021, Iranian-backed Syrian groups have attacked US troops 78 times. There are about 900 American troops in Syria and most of them are in the east.

On Friday, a suspected US rocket targeted areas in eastern Syria. No casualties were reported. Pro-Iranian forces in Syria said that they have a "long arm" to respond further. This can worsen the already strained relations between Iran and the US.