The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday that U.S. forces executed airstrikes against nine Iran-affiliated targets in Syria, responding to a series of recent attacks on American personnel. The targets, located in two areas associated with Iranian-linked groups, were struck to limit the groups’ capacity for future attacks on U.S. and coalition forces engaged in anti-ISIS operations.
CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized that the strikes deliver a “clear” message of deterrence, reinforcing the stance that the U.S. will protect its forces and allies against aggression in the region. This action follows heightened tensions, with recent escalations between Israel and Iran and the U.S.’s deployment of B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the Middle East to support regional allies.
Attorney General Merrick Garland recently highlighted Iran’s ongoing threat to U.S. security, following charges against an Iranian operative accused of coordinating assassination attempts, including a plot against President-elect Donald Trump.
