By Tiffany Williams –
Two F-15 aircraft on Wednesday conducted a self-defense strike on a facility in eastern Syria.
The Department of Defense confirmed Thursday the facility was used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups.
“This precision, self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds force affiliates,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.
“The United States is fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities. We urge against any escalation. U.S. personnel will continue to conduct counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria,” Austin added.
A senior defense official said the strikes in eastern Syria were in response to ongoing threats and attacks directed at U.S. bases in both Syria and Iraq by the IRGC and Iran-aligned militia groups.
“While our defensive measures have proven effective in countering unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on our personnel, we remain vigilant and concerned about the potential for escalation or bypassing these defenses. We have fortified our U.S. bases with additional Patriot batteries and increased defensive counter air patrols to further deter attacks and defend our forces,” the senior defense official said.
The senior defense official also said, “In light of heightened tension stemming from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, we have undertaken additional measures to communicate directly with Iran, Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, Lebanon and our regional partners. We aim to clarify that our military actions do not signal a change in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and we have no intentions of escalating conflict in the region. Our commitment to self-defense and the protection of U.S. personnel remains the same,” the senior defense official said.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, said on Thursday, “The damage from the battle is still being assessed, but it is known that multiple secondary explosions occurred following the strike. She also said, “If attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups continue, the U.S. reserves the right to defend its troops by taking further measures at a time and place of its choosing, she said.”
The Department of Defense also confirmed Thursday that 56 U.S. personnel have been injured by attacks in Syria and Iraq. The DOD aaid the injuries are a combination of traumatic brain injury and minor injuries. Singh confirmed all have been treated and returned to duty.