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The US military announced Tuesday evening that it had carried out an airstrike targeting a facility used by a group affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in eastern Syria.
The military’s central command said the attack in Syria’s Deir Ezzor was intended to protect US forces from attacks by Iran-backed groups.
“Today’s attack was necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel. We have acted with caution,” Army spokesman Joe Buccino said in a statement.
A spokesman said the strike was in response to the Aug. 15 attacks that targeted US forces. Drones launched by Iran-backed militias reportedly targeted compounds used by US forces. No casualties were reported.
The admiral, who said lifting the seal would cause “immediate damage” to the navy, admitted it would not affect combat operations.
Buccino said Tuesday’s strike was directed by President Joe Biden to protect U.S. personnel.
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“The president directed these attacks in accordance with Article 2 authority to protect and defend U.S. personnel by impeding or deterring attacks by Iran-backed groups,” Buccino said. “The United States does not seek conflict, but we will continue to take necessary steps to protect and defend our people.”
Central Command did not disclose whether there were any injuries as a result of the airstrikes.
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Syrian state media did not acknowledge the strike as early as Wednesday morning. Iran also denied attacking.
US forces entered Syria in 2015 to assist allied forces in the fight against IS.
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“U.S. forces will remain in Syria to ensure the lasting defeat of IS,” Buccino said in a statement.