U.S. responds to bombing of two U.S. bases in eastern Syria
Written by afrolivefm on 26 Aug, 2022
The United States has reported having to respond to bombings at two bases in the eastern Syrian province of Deiz Ezzor, after Washington on Wednesday alleged attacks by Iranian-backed groups and its Revolutionary Guards.
“One U.S. service member from the Conoco mission has been treated for a minor injury and has returned to duty. Two others are under evaluation for minor injuries,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, adding that they have had to respond with the use of helicopters.
The bombing began at 7:20 a.m. (local time), when several missiles fell inside the military perimeter of the Conoco base near the Iraqi border. Shortly thereafter, additional rockets were recorded in the vicinity of the Green Village base.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla has said, adding that there is “full confidence” in their ability to protect U.S. troops and coalition partners from attack.
“The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect and defend our people,” he said in the statement, referring to the possible involvement of the Iranian side in the event.
The attacks come after the United States said Wednesday that U.S. troops protected its personnel from several attacks by Iranian-backed groups and its Revolutionary Guards in Deiz Ezzor province.
U.S. Central Command Communications Director Col. Joe Buccino remarked that the bombings were by order of the president, Joe Biden, as well as “necessary” to protect U.S. personnel.
“The United States has taken deliberate and proportionate measures aimed at limiting the risk of escalation and minimizing the risk of casualties,” explained Washington, which assured that it “does not seek conflict” and that if they are in Syria it is “to ensure the ultimate defeat of Islamic State.”
Following the announcement of the bombing by Washington, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Naser Kanani, denied in a statement Washington’s claim that these “popular and anti-occupation” groups were backed by Iran.
