US Claims that Airstrikes in Syria Killed 4 Iranian-Backed Militia Members
Jose Nino
|
According to a statement by the United States Central Command, four Iranian-backed militia members were killed in US airstrikes in Syria on August 24, 2022.
In this same statement, USCENTCOM revealed that US military units destroyed 7 enemy rocket launchers that same day a few hours after militia fighters launched rockets at two US military installations in northeast Syria.
On August 25, CENTCOM provided further details about the strikes. It revealed that US counter strikes were carried out with Apache helicopters, AC-130 gunships, and M777 Howitzers.
This surge in attacks came in the aftermath of militia groups allegedly backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacking US troops on August 15 at the al-Tanf Garrison in the south.
In this attack, there were no casualties or damage inflicted. However, the US responded by striking bunkers and facilities the militias were using.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the US airstrikes targeted the Ayash Camp. The Fatemiyoun Division runs this camp and this militia group is comprised of Shiite fighters from Afghanistan. The SOHR reported that 6 Syrian and foreign militants were killed.
A few hours after the US strikes, militia rockets struck Green Village and the Conoco gas in Deir el-Zour, which has a US troop presence. Per CENTCOM, 3 service members received treatment or evaluations for minor injuries. According to PBS, US forces responded by targeting the rocket launchers.
“We will respond appropriately and proportionally to attacks on our servicemembers,” declared General Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM. “No group will strike at our troops with impunity.”
PBS noted that “Deir el-Zour is a strategic province that borders Iraq and contains oil fields.” Due to the alleged Iranian presence in this area, countries like Israel have targeted the area in order to keep Iran’s influence in check.
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani resoundingly denied Iran’s connection to these militia groups.
The fact that the US still has a military presence in Syria is mind-boggling. It’s the embodiment of imperial overreach and a slavish devotion to protecting Israeli interests. In the latter case, Israel views Iran as an existential threat and strives to do everything possible to contain Iranian expansion in the Levant.
Here’s the thing, Iran doesn’t pose an existential threat to the US. Whatever bad blood Iran has with the US is the product of the US’s saber-rattling against it in the Middle East and its perpetual sanctions war against it.
The Middle East is a perpetual powderkeg and is no longer of major strategic importance to the US. It’s high time that the US leave the Middle East altogether and put those military units on our southern border — where the biggest national security threats are actually located.
Share: