In a move authorized by U.S. President Joe Biden, the American military has launched airstrikes against two locations in eastern Syria.
The Pentagon confirmed the operation, stating that the targeted sites are utilized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and their affiliated groups.
According to Reuters, The U.S. acted in self-defense, responding to a series of attacks against American interests in Iraq and Syria.
Since October 17, Iran-backed groups have been implicated in assaults on U.S. soldiers in the region.
One American citizen died of a heart attack while seeking cover during one of these attacks, and 21 military personnel sustained minor injuries but have since returned to duty.
According to Reuters, the U.S. F-16 fighter jets struck weapons and ammunition depots. "The President's top priority is the safety of U.S. personnel.
Today's strikes were ordered to send a clear message that such attacks will not be tolerated," said the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
President Biden also communicated directly with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning against further attacks on American personnel in the Middle East.
A senior U.S. military official emphasized the need for Iran to instruct its militias and proxies to cease their activities. The official also noted that the operation was not coordinated with Israel.
Iran, a long-time supporter of armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, has denied any involvement in the recent attack on Israel carried out by Hamas on October 7.
